Hay, is a 2nd cut possible?

[Randonneuse]

Hi,

I know there are lots of hay questions at the moment but...
My friend and I have just moved to a new place and we were wondering if it is possible to have a second cut of hay done in the field we are renting? (the landowner had a first cut of hay done in June in this field)
And if so, when?

Thank you!

 

[horserugsnot4u]

Some years it is possible to get a second cut, if there has been sufficient rain to get the grass growing again. The field I rent had a second cut in September a couple of years ago and it was the nicest hay ever. It really depends on how much growth the grass has made since the first cut as to whether it is worthwhile and obviously a warm, dry window of weather to cut and bale it.

 

[Randonneuse]

Some years it is possible to get a second cut, if there has been sufficient rain to get the grass growing again. The field I rent had a second cut in September a couple of years ago and it was the nicest hay ever. It really depends on how much growth the grass has made since the first cut as to whether it is worthwhile and obviously a warm, dry window of weather to cut and bale it.

Thank you
It has grown since we saw the field for the first time about a month ago (we only moved yesterday) but is not that high.
We may have to wait few weeks and see then I guess!?
I don't have a clue about what the farmer (apparently there is a farmer next door who could do it) would charge or if he would get some hay as payment etc...
But as you say there is no point in doing it if it's not worthwhile!

 

[navaho]

We are hoping for a second cut late August, some farms seem to be getting 3 cuts, admittedly thats haylage though not hay, but i wouldnt have thought that would make any difference?

 

[Dry Rot]

I cut hay in June (Scottish Highlands, but at sea level) and was advised to put two cwts/acre of 20:10:10 on the aftermath and go for a second cut of haylage in 4 - 6 weeks time. One cwt already applied and I'm off for more fertiliser in the morning. Hope that helps. You should get either hay or haylage down where you are but it will probably need fertiliser for a decent yield. If you have a tame farmer next door, ask him as he will know what you can manage with the soil and local climate.