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{ "__shgImageV3Elements": { "uuid": "s-3e3d9b43-6b04-492b-b542-cd748a81a1f0" } } As the leaves start to turn and the evening air grows crisp, small-farm owners know what’s coming next: winter. But before the frost hits, there’s crucial field and pasture maintenance to be done. One of the most effective tools for this job? The flail mower. Whether you're managing a few acres of pasture, an orchard, brushy forest edges, or rotational grazing paddock …

Not all hay is created equal–especially when you’re feeding cattle. Unlike horses, cows can tolerate coarser hay, but they still need properly timed, nutritious forage to support health and production. Whether you’re raising beef or dairy cattle, knowing when to cut and what tools to use is key to making hay that’s both palatable and cost-effective. When to Cut: The Boot Stage Advantage For cattle, hay should ideally be cut during the boot stage–just before …

At Tractor Tools Direct, our Ibex Belt Rake has quickly become one of our top-selling products. Interestingly, it's also one that many customers haven’t heard of—until they find it on our website. So in this month’s blog, we’re diving into the question: What is a belt rake, and why is it such a great choice for small farms? What Is a Belt Rake? While belt rakes have been widely used in Europe for years, they’re gaining popularity here in the U.S.— …

For horse owners, few things are more important than quality hay. Horses are picky eaters with sensitive digestive systems, and poor-quality forage can lead to health issues, wasted feed, and high replacement costs. If you have the land and equipment, making your own hay can be a smart and rewarding way to ensure consistent, high-quality nutrition for your animals. But it’s not just about cutting grass—it’s about knowing what horses need and using the appropriate tools to g …

When it comes to haymaking, one of the most crucial decisions a farmer or producer must make is the cutting height. The height at which you cut your forage plays a significant role in the overall quality and yield of the hay, as well as the long-term health of the pasture. Below, we’ll explore why cutting height matters, highlighting the benefits of getting it right and the risks of cutting too high or too low.   Impact on Forage Quality Cutting height directly influences the nu …