MacDon 5000 - Haying Tips; Topsoil Moisture; Climate and Topography

OPERATION
HAYINGnps
There is one certainty when making hay ,· a quick cure will maintain top quality. It is critical 10 have the cured
hay baled as quickly as possible, for two reason s:
1. Every day hay lies on the ground, 5% of the protein is lost.
2. The sooner the cut hay is off, the earlier the start for next growth.
Generally, leaving the windrow as wide and thin as possible makes for the quickest curing, however there
are other factors which affect curing tirne:
'- TOPSOIL MOISTURE
When the ground is wetter than the hay , moisture from the soil Is absorbed by the hay above it. Determine
topsoil moisture level before cutting. Us;e a moisture tester or estimate le vel:
Over 45% • WET - Soil will be muddy
25 - 45% - DAMP - Walking on soil leaves tracks
Under 25% - DAY - Soli will be dusty all top
When ground is wet due to irrigation, wait untll soil moisture drops below 45%. When ground Is wet due to
frequent rains, cut
when weather allows and l et the forage lie on wet ground until it dries to the moisture
level of the ground. At this point, the ClIt hay will dry no more until the ground under it drie s, so con sider
moving the windrow to drier ground.
On wet son, the general rule of "wide and thin" does not apply. A narrower windrow will dry faster than hay
left flat on wet ground.
2. ruMATIE ANO TOPOGRAPHY
a. Try to have as much hay cut as pO$sible by midday, when drying conditions are best.
b. Fields sloping south get up to 100% more exposure to the su n 's heat than do north sloping fields. If you
bale and chop, consider baling the south facing fields and chopping those facing north.
C. When relative humidity is high, the evaporation rate is low and hay dries slower. If there Is no wind,
saturated air becomes trapp ed around the windrow, further hindering the drying process. Raking or
tedding will expose
the hay to fresher, less saturated air. Cutting hay perpendicular to the direction of
the
prevailing winds may also help .
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