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There can be much debate about which cutting of hay is best for which species of animal. Unfortunately, there is no way to win that debate. The issue is far too complex. First off, there is just as much variance within a species for which cutting of hay is best as there is between species. Second, as discussed in a previous  blog, there can be more variance in the quality within a cutting of hay than between cuttings. However, we can provide some general guidelines to keep in mind. Wo …

In a previous  blog, we discussed when to cut hay. In this blog, we will provide an overview of a season’s different hay cuttings. Typically, first cuttings of a hay season can be achieved around May 15th in the southern regions of the US and May 25th to the north. The climate of a location will determine the number of cuttings that can be achieved each year. Northern areas of the US might only get 2 cuttings per season while southern areas might get 4 or more. In very general terms, …

With winter approaching, it is time to remind of our customers of the importance of machinery maintenance. Now that the hectic harvest season is coming to an end, more time can be found to clean and service machinery. Then, once spring rolls around again your machinery will be in tip-top condition and ready to use. Below is a list of winterizing tasks for balers, mowers, and rakes. We’ve also provided a handy pdf version that can be printed off and taken to the equipment shed with you:  …

Last month in our blog "Haymaking Equipment for Sheep and Goat Owners" we discussed the ways our compact hay equipment, especially our mini-round balers, can increase the efficiency and productivity of sheep and goat farms. This month, we would like to share the first-hand account of one of our customers, Ron Klein, who with the help of TTD, has done just that. Ron is the owner and operator of Windshadow Farm & Dairy, LLC in southwestern MI—a Grade A goat dairy milking 160 does. The f …

"You can bale when your pasture is at its nutritional peak—not when the farmer down the road gets around to it." Do you operate a small farm? Do you own a little livestock and a few acres of hay pasture? Are you tired of waiting until the farmer down the road gets around to baling your hay—usually long after it has reached its nutritional peak? Then maybe it’s time for you to make the jump to haying independence. Fortunately, we at Tractor Tools Direct have developed a line of com …