[Hillview Farm]

Hello all 

A few hay related questions:

1) How many (roughly) small bales shall I expect to get off good quality non fertilised grass per acre?
2) How much does it cost you to get a contractor in?
3) When would be the best time to cut?

Thanks all!

[si-mate]

1: 40 - 100 bales per acre depending on when it was last grazed, what species of grass are there and of course, the weather.
2: £12 / acre to mow, £6 / acre to turn & rake, 50p / bale to bale. Expect to pay more if you only have a small area to do.
3: For quality, not quantity aim for June, for quantity not quality aim for July.


Just remember that hay making is probably the most weather crucial job on the farm and you could end up with a load of bullock hay and a bill for £1.50 / bale.

[Stellan Vert]

Hi 

We got 20 1/2 bales, hand made, off about a 1/4 acre field.

We cut during the hot weather in June this year, I watched BBC weather website like a hawk looking for a dry period in which to cut and dry.

SV