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On many small farms, waterways, buffer strips, and other marginal areas are often overlooked. They may be too narrow or damp for row crops. But with the right approach these spaces can produce surprisingly nutrient-rich hay–especially valuable for cattle. With proper timing and compact equipment from Tractor Tools Direct, turning these areas into productive forage zones is both smart and sustainable. Why Waterway Hay is Worth the Effort Hay grown in waterways tends to be hig …

  Hopefully, you have used the slow winter months thinking ahead to a great baling season. Once the grass starts growing, you’ll need to be ready to spring into action! This blog will give some advice on how to know when it’s time to make the cut! The haying season is divided into multiple cuttings, with the number of cuttings being dependent on the climate and geography of the region. In northern regions of the U.S. and Canada, where the summer season is shorter, far …

Small-farm operators who are new to hay production are often unsure of the differences between tedding and raking when it comes to baling hay. They confuse the two processes thinking they are one and the same and/or that the same implements can be used to perform both tasks. Let’s discuss this here. Tedding is the act of fluffing and spreading cut forage to increase air and sun exposure and decrease drying time. Tedding is typically done after the hay is mowed and before it is raked into …

In this month’s blog, let’s take a deeper look at the foundation of what we here at Tractor Tools Direct are proud to do each day – make haying independence a reality for our customers. What is haying independence? Haying independence is the goal of many small-farm operators. It’s the ability to make a farm fully sustainable by growing and harvesting your own forage for your own animals. Why is haying independence important? Many small-farm operators are tired of paying …