Seed to Feed Checklist.
Handy Hay Supplies & Reminders.
The sun is high and the fields are green — that means it’s haying season again with long days of watching the weather, working hard, and crossing your fingers that your baler doesn’t jam up. But when that first cut is baled and put up, it’s worth it. As you gear up to head out, we’ve got a few helpful reminders that can make your haying go a little smoother.
Test before you bale.
Using a windrow tester will help you be certain that your moisture is where you want it before baling. And, it’s as simple as heading out to the field, gathering hay in a bucket, and inserting the tester. You’ll have quick results and peace of mind before hauling the baler to the field.
HAULING HAY?
If you haven’t seen our tips for taming those loose strap ends, check this out.
Haul with confidence.
Baling is only one part of the puzzle. Getting your hay hauled is the other part, and we can help with that too. We’ve all got ratchet straps that are past their prime, replace those old straps and keep your load secure. And, once you’ve got a heavy load strapped down give your truck the power it needs to haul it. Using, Dieselex Gold will give you that power and save you money.
Got Twine?
Running out of twine in the middle of baling is a pain. Check what you have on hand and stock up on the poly or sisal twine you need so you don’t lose precious daylight making a run to town. If you use net wrap, we’ve got you–and your bales–covered there too, with various lengths in both 64” and 67”.
Try Conditioner.
Conditioning hay isn’t too common, but with a long list of benefits, it should be. Using a conditioner like Alpha Tec, exclusive to UFA, enables you to start baling at a higher moisture content, meaning you have more control over when you get in the field. Conditioners also reduce nutrient loss, inhibit mould & dust, and helps soften hay to make it more palatable for livestock. And, it can be easily applied using a baler-mounted applicator.
There, you’re set. No more yellow streamers dangling off the side of your trailer or getting caught up in your wheels. If you’ve got another way to secure the end of the strap, that’s great. If you’re going to try one of these tips, then we’re happy we could help.
Store It Up.
Once your hay is home, you know you need to keep it covered. How you protect your hay is your call, but whether it’s with bale stack covers or a hayshed we’ve got you covered.
For short-term storage, stack covers are a good option that gets the job done without a big investment—just don’t forget the anchor pins, or you’ll be going to your neighbours to pick up your cover. For long term storage, a purpose-built hayshed is the way to go. They provide excellent protection, ease of access, and can be customized to fit the needs of your farm or ranch.
From the right seed to grow healthy hay, to well-built hay sheds to keep your bales covered, we’ve got what you need to help you grow, bale, protect, and feed your hay. And, with a network of Farm & Ranch Supply stores and UFA.com on your phone, the supplies you need—and helpful advice–are never far away.
Keep It Clean
Keep harmful weeds and unwanted brush from working their way into your hayfield and reducing your potential growth by using the right range & pasture herbicide for your farm or ranch. The Corteva line takes care of the toughest weeds and brush, like hound’s tongue–which can cause irreversible liver failure in horses.
You’ve got quality hay, feed it using a quality bale feeder. Check out the full selection of bale feeders, including tombstone and funnel styles.
