OPERATION
3.16 Haying Tips
3.16.1 Curing
Curing crops q
uickly helps maintain the highest quality because for each day that hay lies on the ground, 5% of the
protein is lo
st.
Leaving the w
indrow as wide a n d fluffy as possible results in the quickest curing. Cured hay should be baled as
soon as possi
ble.
3.16.2 Tops
oil Moisture
Table 3.10 Topsoil Moisture Levels
Level
% Moisture Condition
Wet
Over 45% Soil is muddy
Damp
25–45% Shows foo
tprints
Dry
Under 25% Surface is dusty
• On wet soil, the general rule of wide and thin does not apply. A narrower windrow will dry faster than hay left flat
on wet ground.
• 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. Use a moisture tester or estimate level.
• If ground is wet due to irrigation, wait until soil moisture drops below 45%.
• If ground is wet due to frequent rains, cut when weather allows and let the forage lie on wet ground until it dries
to the moisture level of the ground.
• Cut hay will dry only to the moisture level of the ground beneath it, so consider moving the windrow to drier ground.
3.16.3 Weather and Topography
•Cutas
much hay as possible by midday when drying conditions are best.
• Field
s sloping south get up to 100% more exposure to the sun’s heat than do north sloping fields. If hay is baled
and c
hopped, consider baling the south facing fields and chopping those facing north.
• When
relative humidity is high, the evaporation rate is low and hay dries slowly.
•Ifth
ere is no wind, saturated air becomes trapped around the windrow. Raking or tedding will expose the hay to
fres
h, less saturated air.
•Cut
hay perpendicular to the direction of the p revailing winds if possible .
3.1
6.4 Windrow Characteristics
Producing windrows with the recommended characteristics will achieve the greatest results. Refer to 3.15 Operating
the Mower Conditioner, page 80 for instructions on adjusting the mower conditioner.
147910 102 Revision A
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