Small Farm Hay Production: The Case for Making Your Own Hay

At Tractor Tools Direct, we bring haying independence to small farm operations. Our lines of commercial-duty, high-quality implements for compact tractors make hay production possible for small-acreage farmers. In this blog, we will discuss the reasons why these farmers may want to make the jump to baling their own hay.

Hay Quality

Livestock owners who purchase hay from others can’t control the quality of the hay available. When you make your own hay, you always know its quality and can monitor and adjust it as necessary.

Variable Price

Hay prices vary by season depending upon the supply and demand of the market. Weather is probably the most notable driving force of this market. Baling your own hay takes some of the unknown out of the hay budget.

Dependence

Many small farmers are dependent upon contract balers to bale their fields for them, and there can be times when the contractor does not make it the priority it needs to be. Your small fields may be last in line resulting in hay that is baled past its nutritional peak.

Productivity

Small farm operators know the importance of bringing every available acre into production. Using implements specifically designed for compact tractors allows you to bale small, irregularly shaped paddocks around buildings, fences, and ponds that can’t be reached with standard equipment.

Self-Sufficiency

Many small-farm operators pride themselves on their self-sufficiency. Baling your own hay protects you from the mercy of hay suppliers and contract balers.

Side Income

Selling hay on the side can contribute a net gain to a small-acreage farmer’s hay budget. If you are baling for your own livestock anyway, or able to contract bale for others, there is always a market for good-quality hay. Selling a little on the side or baling hay for others can help offset your own costs of hay production.

Specialized Hay Mixture

Depending upon the livestock being raised, a farmer may need a specialized mix of legumes and/or grasses to keep his or her animals in top condition. If you bale your own hay, you can control the content and thus the nutritional value of the bales produced.

Self-Satisfaction

Yes, baling hay is work, but it also provides a lot of self-satisfaction. There is something to be said about hard work and being able to provide for your livestock yourself. Haying independence brings this satisfaction.

These are just some of the many reasons why small-farm operators should consider baling their own hay. Maybe it’s time for you to make the jump. For help in doing so, please click  here or give us a call at 260-BALE-HAY today!