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HAYING TIPS (continued)
3. WINDROW CHARACTERISTICS
See "Operating Variables" in this section. Control the factors listed to produce a windrow with the following
characteristics:
a. High and fluffy for good air flow. The movement of air through the windrow is more important to the curing
process than direct sunlight.
b. Consistent formation, not bunchy. A uniform windrow permits an even flow of material into the baler,
chopper etc.
c. Even distribution, not piled in the middle or higher on one side. A windrow that is higher or heavier on one
side could cause stacks to lean, round bales to have one end smaller and loose, or small square bales to
be heavy on one side, causing handling and stacking problems.
d. Properly conditioned without excessive leaf damage.
4. RUNNING TRACTOR ON PREVIOUSLY CUT WINDROW:
This can lengthen drying time by a full day in hay that will not be raked. If practical, set forming shields for a
narrower windrow that can be straddled. However, in high-yielding alfalfa, driving on the hay may be
unavoidable if a full width windrow is necessary,
5. RAKING AND TEDDING
Raking or tedding will speed up drying, however the benefits must be weighted against the additional leaf
losses which will result. When the ground beneath the down hay is dry, raking or tedding is probably not
worthwhile.
Big windrows on damp or wet ground should be turned over when they reach 40-50% moisture. Hay should
not be raked or tedded at less than 25% moisture, or excessive yield losses will result.
6. CHEMICAL DRYING AGENTS
Hay drying agents work by removing wax from legume surfaces, enabling water to escape and evaporate
faster. However, treated hay lying on wet ground will also absorb ground moisture faster.
Before deciding to use a drying agent, costs and benefits relative to your area should be carefully compared.
Form # 147008
OPERATION
35
Issue 12/05
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