haylage making

[molly1873]

I have just secured rental on a 4.5 acre paddock by our house. This has been grazed on by sheep for the last few years so is very clean grazing. We will move our 2 horses onto it soon. However we have arranged to strip graze it as both are good doers.
To prevent it becoming very overgrown the land owner has suggested we take haylage from it.

I don't know where to start!!! what is the process of making it ? ie someone said it cant be grazed on for 10 wks prior, how long does the grass have to be? how much would an acre give etc, etc!!
I feel hay might be an easier option however we have nowhere for dry storage.

I appreciate I need to pay someone to do this, would it be cheaper/easier just to have the grass cut? and buy haylage in?

 

[Dry Rot]

I have just secured rental on a 4.5 acre paddock by our house. This has been grazed on by sheep for the last few years so is very clean grazing. We will move our 2 horses onto it soon. However we have arranged to strip graze it as both are good doers.
To prevent it becoming very overgrown the land owner has suggested we take haylage from it.

I don't know where to start!!! what is the process of making it ? ie someone said it cant be grazed on for 10 wks prior, how long does the grass have to be? how much would an acre give etc, etc!!
I feel hay might be an easier option however we have nowhere for dry storage.

I appreciate I need to pay someone to do this, would it be cheaper/easier just to have the grass cut? and buy haylage in?

Haylage is usually cut earlier than hay, when the seed heads have formed but the grass is not in flower. Hay will be cut when the grass flowers (i.e. is producing pollen). The grass contains maximum protein when the seed heads are forming and maximum carbohydrate when the seed has formed and matured.

Sell the grass standing with payment being in a percentage of the crop. Your local agricultural auctioneers might be able to advise. That is safest as it is in the purchaser's interests to make a good job of harvesting quality material and you share the risk.

BUT if they make haylage it will be in 4x4 wrapped bales. Do you have the equipment to move and handle them? There will be no storage problem as you can leave them outside. I would specify at least 6 layers of wrap.

4x4s of hay are probably easier to handle but they need to be kept dry, preferably on pallets at least as they will wick dampness up from the ground. If they are net wrapped (usual), they do not really need to be covered as the top will shed water like a thatch. But keep them off the ground. They can be handled by a small tractor with a simple bale spike on the three point linkage as they will be lighter than haylage.

If you engage a contractor/local farmer to make your hay for you, the chances are that he will do his own first, or his biggest customers. Why should he bother with your hay? You have mentioned two important words -- novices and horse keepers. You might find someone honest to help you, but….

Or sell the grass outright ("on the hoof") and buy your fodder in, possibly from the man who bought the grass.

Or you could do it all yourselves. For hay you'll need a tractor with a fore loader (£5,000), mower (£1,500), tedder/rower (£500), baler (£2,000), and (ideally) a shed to put it in. For haylage, you'll also need a wrapper (£2,000) as well but don't need the shed. My equipment cost a lot more than this, others will quote less. Different equipment again for small bales.

There are lots of options. Get to know your neighbours and try to work out a deal with them that suits everyone.

Have fun!

 

[Exploding Chestnuts]

yes you can sell it with farmer to take half

 

[Achinghips]

Sorry to but in but I'm in same boat as OP .....Half? that's rather a big cut, is that normal?, I was thinking more like a third as the going rate ......

Also how ongoing does grass have to be for first cut? When is it usually done?

 

[Dry Rot]

Sorry to but in but I'm in same boat as OP .....Half? that's rather a big cut, is that normal?, I was thinking more like a third as the going rate ......

Also how ongoing does grass have to be for first cut? When is it usually done?

Try the alternatives, then come back and tell us if you still think half is enough!

(I wouldn't do it for someone else whatever the offer!).

 

[McCauley]

Try the alternatives, then come back and tell us if you still think half is enough!

(I wouldn't do it for someone else whatever the offer!).

Yup....when you add up all the costs involved, including manpower hours too as well as tractor hours,..you'll understand why the farmer would be wanting half your crop for the work!!