Can you make a living selling hay? “If you are getting $125 per ton for quality hay, you are going to see a profit of $51 per ton, or $204 per acre. “The potential is there to make some pretty good money on hay.” Brown says producers could decide to grow higher-quality hay and sell into the dairy or specialty hay markets.
Hereof, What is hay selling for?
Small square bales averaged $4.60 a bale (range of $2.00 to $6.00). Large square bale straw averaged $64.00 per bale (a range of $40.00 to $90.00). Large round bale straw averaged $58.00 per bale (a range of $40.00 – $85.00). In Nebraska, hay sold steady, demand is light in 2020.
Similarly How much hay is produced per acre? The average U.S. dry hay yield (all types) dropped from 2.52 tons per acre in 2016 to 2.44 tons per acre in 2017. For alfalfa and alfalfa-grass mixtures, the average yield declined from 3.45 tons per acre in 2016 to 3.32 tons per acre in 2017.
How do you bail hay?
How to Bale Hay
- Mow. The mowing process is typically the longest because you’re going one strip at a time, thus making more passes around the field. …
- Tedder. Teddering, or scattering hay, is the second fastest in the process of baling hay. …
- Rake. …
- Bale.
How many round bales of hay do you get per acre?
With an average bale weight of around 40 pounds (with our Abbriata small square baler or any of our mini round balers), that’s 100 bales to the acre for a first cutting.
How much is a ton of hay worth?
Depending on the type, quality, place of harvest, and size of hay bales, you should expect to pay something between $30 and $300 per ton of hay. If you want hay to contain alfalfa or Bermuda grass, then it will be more expensive.
What do farmers do with hay bales?
Uses of Hay
Feeding hay to livestock is the number one use for hay. Almost any animal on the farm – horses, cattle, sheep, goats, etc. – will eat hay. Hay is usually fed to livestock when they cannot graze or be in a pasture, either because it is winter or because of drought.
What is the price of hay per ton?
Specifically, alfalfa-grade hay bales are priced between $140 and $165 per ton, while grass, midquality hay bales are selling for $125 to $150 per ton.
How many times a year can you harvest hay?
In most areas of the country, grass hay can be cut twice, sometimes three times, per year. The first cutting generally has the largest yield. Some animals, like sheep, prefer the tender stems of second or third cutting hay.
How many bales of hay does a cow need a day?
A 1200-pound cow, ready for processing, will require 36 pounds of forage per day based on the formula used here. Thirty-six pounds of hay is close to one small square bale of hay per day, taking into consideration some waste.
How do you mow a hay field?
How long can hay lay before baling?
As a rule of thumb, wait to rake hay until after the dew has dried and the sun nears its peak, around 11 a.m. If possible, let the raked hay sit for an hour or two before baling to allow more drying time.
Is baling hay hard?
It’s not the easiest of tasks, but baling your own hay is a satisfying project that is—in my opinion—well worth the effort involved. … But it is difficult, especially if you produce the small square bales that are so convenient for many hobby farmers.
How many times a year can you cut hay?
In most areas of the country, grass hay can be cut twice, sometimes three times, per year. The first cutting generally has the largest yield. Some animals, like sheep, prefer the tender stems of second or third cutting hay.
How much hay does a cow need in the winter?
Cows will voluntarily consume 2 percent of body weight or 24 pounds per day. The 24 pounds is based on 100 percent dry matter. If we assume that the hay is 92 percent dry matter or 8 percent moisture, then the cows will consume about 26 pounds per day on an “as-fed basis.”
How many square bales equal a ton?
A ton: 2000# pounds of hay to the ton. A retail three string bale weighs 100 # there are 20 bales in a ton. A “feed store ton” can be 16 bales.
How do you price a bale of hay?
- Step 1: Take 2000 divided by the average bale weight. This will give you the number of bales per ton. …
- Example: Price per ton $200. …
- Step 1: 2000 divided by 60 equals 33.33 bales per ton. Step 2: 200 divided by 33.33 equals $6.00 per bale.
What month is hay harvested?
From the month of May to late summer and early fall, hay baling is on the minds of many farmers.
How long should hay cure before feeding?
The notion of a “curing” phase is not a new one, and Crandell pinpoints its origin easily. “Some traditional horsemen believe that fresh-baled hay should ‘sweat’ for two to four weeks before feeding. This allows the hay to cure, which might be important if the hay too wet when it was baled.
How much do hay bales sell for?
The Price of Hay Bales By Weight
| Hay Quality | Bale Type | Minimum Price Per Ton |
|---|---|---|
| Grade 1 | Small Square | $160 |
| Large Square | $85 | |
| Large Round | $65 | |
| Grade 2 | Large Square | $85 |
How much does a round bale of hay cost 2021?
What Is the Average Price for a Bale of Hay? On average, a bale of hay costs around $15. For example, two wired Alfalfa Hay bales typically run high, costing $19.95 apiece, whereas bermudagrass is only $8.75. Timothy Hay is the most expensive, typically costing at least $20 a bale.
How much does it cost to make a bale of hay?
Expect $25 – $46/ha ($10 – $19/acre) for cutting; $8 – $15/ha ($3 – $7/acre) for raking and $25/t or $17 – $18/bale for an 8x4x3 (620kg) six string baler.
When should I start cutting hay?
Therefore, the best time to do any cutting is when grasses have reached what is called the “late boot stage”. This stage is typically reached after 6 to 8 weeks of growth in the spring or 6 to 8 weeks after a previous cutting. The “late boot stage” is when the seed head of the grasses first pops out of the sheath.
How much is a round bale of hay 2021?
What Is the Average Price for a Bale of Hay? On average, a bale of hay costs around $15. For example, two wired Alfalfa Hay bales typically run high, costing $19.95 apiece, whereas bermudagrass is only $8.75. Timothy Hay is the most expensive, typically costing at least $20 a bale.
Join our Business, Advices & Skills Community and share you ideas today !
