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A compact tractor is the heart of any small-farm operation. Therefore, you likely already own one and would like to use it for hay production too. And guess what? Contrary to the folks at the local coffee shop who have laughed at you for even mentioning it, you likely can. Even subcompact tractors with as little as 20 horsepower can be used to bale hay. Here are a few tips to help you make the perfect match between your tractor and your needed hay equipment. Before shopping for hay equipment, …

When baling hay, one of the decisions a producer must make is what type of bale binding to use. Hay binding materials include hemp twine, polypropylene twine, sisal twine, net wrap and others. This blog will discuss hemp twine. What is hemp? Hemp is a plant with thin stalks and compound palmate leaves. Its flowers are small and greenish yellow. Though hemp originated in central Asia, it is now grown in temperate regions throughout the world. Not to be confused with cannabis, the source of …

When testing and demoing our equipment here at Tractor Tools Direct, we often look for grassy city lots that need attention and then donate the harvested bales to local charitable organizations. In this way, we turn our passion for small-farm hay production into compassion for those in need. Ibex TX 45 Drum Mower,Ibex TS130 2+2 V-Rake, and Ibex TX31 Mini Round Baler with Net Wrap on a city lot and donated the hay to Peacefield Equine Sanctuary. Peacefield is operated by Bruce and Elizabet …

Maybe you’ve invested in our own hay baling equipment and, having met your own farm’s hay needs, have excess hay. Or, maybe you’ve purchased your own equipment and only want to produce hay to sell it. If so, it is time to find a market for your hay. Marketing your hay is going to be the best way to sell your hay. And the best way to market your hay is going to be to know your market. Here are some important considerations: What animals do your potential customers need to feed? Milking cows …

Healthy and nutritious hay begins with healthy and well-maintained hay fields. When it comes to hay fields, you can only take what you give. Maintaining your fields is a year-round job, but worth the time and effort when it comes to greater high-quality yields. Before you can give a field what it needs, you should know what it already does or does not have. Performing a soil test is a great place to start. Your local extension office can likely do this for minimal, if any, cost. The process si …