By Andi Anderson
Harvesting first-cut forages during wet spring conditions is difficult, but timing is essential to maintain quality. Grasses should be cut at the boot stage and legumes at late bud to early bloom.
Mixed stands should follow the grass’s maturity, as they mature faster. Missing this window by even 10 days can reduce total digestible nutrients (TDN) and crude protein significantly.
To take advantage of limited drying windows, mowing should begin mid-morning after dew evaporates. Although afternoon mowing increases sugar content, early cutting helps drying in wet conditions.
Maintain a cutting height of 3 to 4 inches to support regrowth and drying. Mower conditioners should crimp stems every few inches, and swaths should cover at least 70% of the mower’s width.
When the forage reaches around 40% moisture, tedding or raking can help dry the crop while reducing leaf loss. Rakes should use minimal pressure to avoid soil contamination, the main source of Clostridium bacteria.
Testing ash content can help identify contamination; over 11% indicates excessive soil.
Moisture control at baling is crucial. Dry hay should be baled at 15–20% moisture. Baleage needs 45–65% moisture and six layers of plastic wrap. Haylage should be chopped at 60–70% moisture and packed tightly. Improper moisture can lead to clostridial fermentation or hay fires.
Storage also matters. Repair holes in bale wrap quickly. Store dry hay indoors if baled over 20% moisture. Outdoor bales face higher losses from rain and poor drainage. Keep bales on dry ground, spaced apart, and away from trees. Covering with tarps or moving indoors can reduce losses.
Safety must remain a priority. Avoid baling wet hay that could overheat and cause fires. Monitor conditions, work safely, and protect your harvest with smart decisions.
Photo Credit: hay-demand-remains-good
Categories: Ohio, Harvesting