OT Starting hay field

ohio allis · Mar 13, 2020

Question for you hay field starters. I am going to be putting out 4 acres of hay (timothy clover mix) I will be sowing oats for starter crop. Should I seed the timothy and clover at the same time or broadcast seed after the oats come up? Oh I will be using a JD Van Brunt 10' drill and a D17 Allis

Janicholson · Mar 13, 2020

If you intend to mow and bale the entire thing, and I would) assess the local timothy maturation window, and match it with the expected oat maturation (or intended maturity at mowing) so they are at the correct stage at about the same time. I like timothy when it just starts to blossom. If it will be silage, or wet bales, or dry squares also makes a difference. Jim

flying belgian · Mar 13, 2020

I always do it at the same time.

sammydwm · Mar 13, 2020

Have planted at the same time since I can remember

Part Time Pete · Mar 13, 2020

Around here (Central NY) we always did them at the same time. They both need that early season moisture to get started.
Pete

JK-NY · Mar 13, 2020

I agree with the other replies, if your grain drill has a grass seed box sow them all at the same time then roll or cultipack them in . Do you plan to combine the oats for grain?

ztrmowers · Mar 13, 2020

sow all at same time

jaoneill · Mar 13, 2020

One pass with the drill always did both for us here in Northern NY.

Bill(Wis) · Mar 13, 2020

Timothy and clover is a good mix for about a dozen reasons, and, as others have already said, do it all at once. We did that for 70 years.

larbear · Mar 13, 2020

Clover is a bit different as hay. It doesn't dry as well as alfalfa, as the stem isn't as coarse. It lays flatter and the air doesn't get through as it is drying. Rake it twice and watch the leaves shatter unless you are raking in a reasonable dew. Nice hay just alfalfa is more forgiving when baling with moisture, though more expensive as seed.

FinnMD · Mar 13, 2020

Yes seed at same time. Ensure soil conditions good now also, especially pH. Assume red clover, consider it usually matures late for hay yields. Let us know how it goes

ohio allis · Mar 15, 2020

Thanks for all the advice. Plan on mowing oats and baling small dry square bales. Well now if it dries out enough to get in field I will get started and let you know how it goes. Thanks again

OT Starting hay field

ohio allis

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Janicholson

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flying belgian

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sammydwm

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Part Time Pete

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JK-NY

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ztrmowers

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Bill(Wis)

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larbear

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