Hay Field

[WanderingNomad]

I am closing on a piece of land soon that has a few fields that are cut for hay. One seems a bit poor quality in my opinion but not a grass expert. Would I be able to simply disc it and overseed it to help with improving things or do i need to resort to more drastic measures. It is about a 5 acre field in a bottom, preferably keep it as a hayfield for now as I don't have any equipment yet. Looking for suggestions from those of you that do similar on a regular basis.
Thanks for the feedback!

 

[Jcalder]

Pull soil samples first and go from there. It could be as simple as a lime application.

 

[WanderingNomad]

Thanks jcalder!

 

[Jcalder]

If it's weedy, you might do a 2-4-d application as well.

 

[Popcorn]

Pull soil samples first and go from there. It could be as simple as a lime application.

After soil tests and amendments you can always top seed in the fall / winter to introduce specific varieties.
Once amended spring grasses should out compete most weeds then mowing for hay should help control them unless you have a real bad problem

 

[Tn Joe]

I'd guess it's probably lime deficient

 

[MickThompson]

I'd figure out how much you get in return for the hay before you spend money to spay, lime, or fertilize. Or how those costs compare to having it cut how you want it and when I want it.

 

[knightrider]

After closing get with your local nrcs there is an upcoming program for 2024 for pasture and hay reseeding in the inflation reduction act!!

 

[deerfever]

When I bought mine the field on it was part of a big Hayfield. I did a soil test on my part and it needed lime. I did what the test called for to get the ph up and every year since have sprayed to burn down , tilled and planted. It's turned out great so far. Good luck with the new property! Funny thing I was allowed to hunt this land when I didn't own it. One year absolutely no acorns and deer where in and out of the Hayfield constantly. Every year since I have purchased and planted the property we have had acorns laying around like marbles! Go figure. Good luck with the new property!

 

[Labboy]

You can have it bush hogged and then if you have access to a tractor get a sod buster (drill) from co-op and plant fescue and rye this time of the year and the rye will protect the fescue while it roots over the winter. That's how I overseed my hay fields every other year..

 

[WanderingNomad]

After closing get with your local nrcs there is an upcoming program for 2024 for pasture and hay reseeding in the inflation reduction act!!

Knightrider,
Thanks for the heads up!
John

 

[WanderingNomad]

When I bought mine the field on it was part of a big Hayfield. I did a soil test on my part and it needed lime. I did what the test called for to get the ph up and every year since have sprayed to burn down , tilled and planted. It's turned out great so far. Good luck with the new property! Funny thing I was allowed to hunt this land when I didn't own it. One year absolutely no acorns and deer where in and out of the Hayfield constantly. Every year since I have purchased and planted the property we have had acorns laying around like marbles! Go figure. Good luck with the new property!

Deerfever
Thank you the pointers!
John

 

[WanderingNomad]

You can have it bush hogged and then if you have access to a tractor get a sod buster (drill) from co-op and plant fescue and rye this time of the year and the rye will protect the fescue while it roots over the winter. That's how I overseed my hay fields every other year..

Labboy
Thank you for the info!
John

 

[WanderingNomad]

I'd figure out how much you get in return for the hay before you spend money to spay, lime, or fertilize. Or how those costs compare to having it cut how you want it and when I want it.

MickThompson
Good point! Had not thought of that yet…
John

 

[WanderingNomad]

After soil tests and amendments you can always top seed in the fall / winter to introduce specific varieties.
Once amended spring grasses should out compete most weeds then mowing for hay should help control them unless you have a real bad problem

Popcorn
Appreciate the advise!
John

 

[MickThompson]

MickThompson
Good point! Had not thought of that yet…
John

A man can go broke growing grass for someone else