Haying Tips; Curing; Topsoil Moisture; Weather And Topography - MacDon D65 Operator's Manual

OPERATION

3.11 Haying Tips

The following information may be useful when using the D65 Draper Header in hay crops.

3.11.1 Curing

A quick cure will maintain top quality because
• 5% of the protein is lost for each day hay lies on the ground.
• The sooner the cut hay is off, the earlier the start for new growth.
Leaving the windrow as wide and thin as possible makes for the quickest curing. The cured hay should be baled as
soon as possible.

3.11.2 Topsoil Moisture

On wet soil, the general rule of wide and thin does NOT apply. A narrower windrow will dry faster than hay left flat
on wet ground.
When the ground is wetter than the hay, moisture from the soil is absorbed by the hay above it. Determine topsoil
moisture level before cutting. Use a moisture tester or estimate level using the table below.
Level % Moisture Condition
Wet Over 45% Soil is muddy
Damp 25–45% Shows footprints
Dry Under 25% Surface is dusty
If ground is wet due to irrigation, wait until soil moisture drops below 45%.
If ground is wet due to frequent rains, cut when weather allows and let the forage lie on wet ground until it dries to
the moisture level of the ground. The cut hay will dry no more until the ground under it dries, so consider moving
the windrow to drier ground.

3.11.3 Weather and Topography

Cut as much hay as possible by mid day, when drying conditions are best.
Fields sloping south get up to 100% more exposure to the sun's heat than the north sloping fields. If hay is baled
and chopped, consider baling the south facing fields and chopping fields facing north.
When relative humidity is high, the evaporation rate is low and hay dries slower.
If there is no wind, saturated air becomes trapped around the windrow. Raking or tedding will expose the hay to
fresher, less saturated air.
Cutting hay perpendicular to the direction of the prevailing winds is also recommended.
3.11.4 Windrow Configuration
The following windrow characteristics are desirable:
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