preparing field for hay

[meesha]

Hi all

I have a field which was cut for hay last year - used for a couple of months for the nags over summer and then they have been off it over winter - have let them back on last couple of weeks in day only - couple of questions;-

when should I take them off it completely ? (it is permanent pasture rather than a ley grass) I am assuming now ! but would love to be corrected.

I am about to buy a harrow - I will harrow their winter paddock (not going to be used for hay) should I also harrow the hay paddock ? - the grass is quite tight knit.

Dont want to fertilise as horses go back on after hay cut but is there anything else I should be doing (apart from the sun and rain dance at appropriate intervals !) it is a lovely bed of green at the moment - no weeds as only really had thistle and sprayed for that last year.



Thanks - Wagon wheels for all but be quick not many left.... had 3 for breakfast ooops

 

[Tinks81]

mine have grazed the hay field all winter they will be coming off it middle of march !! and hay is normally cut in June

fertalising wont matter you just have to give it enough rest and for it to get washed in before horses can go back on it xx

 

[flyingfeet]

We've just spread muck on our fields and the horses won't be allowed to graze them now

We will chain harrow to upset broad leaved weeds and also remove dead grass. Then roll to make sure all stones are squished in to avoid them ending up in the baler

What I really want is lots of rain in march, april and may, and then dry!

 

[meesha]

Thanks guys

Will def. harrow as soon as can - no stones in ground and all poo picked up and removed. Dont want to fertilise as I have found in the past it encouraged weeds and also dont want nags eating grass thats too rich (good doers)

If we all do the sunshine and showers dance from now till june we should be fine !!!!!

 

[Britestar]

Mine was new grass last year. They've only been allowed on it when the ground was frozen solid - so hardly at all.

Its going to be rolled soon, then fertilized in late March/early April, then sprayed for weeds in May. Hopefully have a lovely crop of haylage/hay this year.