If there are legumes, such as alfalfa and clover, in your hay field, you may need to harvest slightly earlier, when they are at 10 to 20 percent of full flower. [1] X Research source
Cutting the hay too early will result in lower yields. Cutting the hay too late will result in lower nutritive content, because the plant has begun focusing on seed production. [3] X Research source
A tedder and rake is often the same piece of equipment.
If it rains, you may need to turn the hay an additional time to ensure it is dry before storing.
For an easy test, twist several stalks of mown grass, place it in a dry box with several tsp. of salt. Shake the container for one minute and if the salt remains dry, it is ready to bale. [5] X Research source For a scientific approach, purchase an electronic moisture tester at your local farm supply store or from a catalog. It should be below 22 percent moisture, usually baled at 15 to 18 percent moisture content. Hay that is too dry will result in extra breakage and lower quality of hay in bales.
Large circular bales will also reduce the time it takes to feed. They are larger than square bales, so you will need to roll out a smaller number of them to feed your livestock.
You may need to drive more quickly with a round baler to reduce chamber loss.
