Horse keeping in Montana

[AQHA]

Finding those small bales is not easy anymore, I guess the big ones are just easier to get off the field and feed. Its too bad because the small bales are sure nice for feeding horses.

[FiveHorses]

Originally Posted by AQHA

Finding those small bales is not easy anymore, I guess the big ones are just easier to get off the field and feed. Its too bad because the small bales are sure nice for feeding horses.

I hate the big bales. They just make everything so much more difficult - from storage, to moving them, to rationing (I've got a couple fatties).

I love this nonsense about fuel prices... sure, you could understand it last summer, but - round this way at least - even though diesel is now at $2.08/gal (we were about $4.00+ last summer) I've yet to encounter anyone who's lowered their prices back down.

[Broz]

Back when I was farming I bailed some small squares. I would sell them right off the wagon to who ever wanted them. (mostly horse owners) That putting them in the loft of a two story barn got old. I made more money off the small squares if you didn't factor in the extra time it took to bail them. But there was no way I could have kept up doing all of it in small squares. You guys should look for a smaller farmer with a small square bailer in the shed or ask around who has the equipment. Go offer to buy the hay as soon as it is bailed up right off the wagon or right off the ground in the field. That might persuade a farmer to do some for you, if he does not have to contend with storage, sale, and getting them in and out of the barn.

Just a thought.

.

[FiveHorses]

Originally Posted by Broz

Go offer to buy the hay as soon as it is bailed up right off the wagon or right off the ground in the field.

Just a thought.

And a good thought. Round here (I'm not in MT yet) there are some farmers that will sell them right off the field - you load your trailer and drive off - for a discount. The hitch I've encountered so far is the hay they'll bale for the small bales and sell off the field is .... oh, what's the word? . "Rubbish" springs to mind.

Actually Kubota sells a baler that produces small, easily managed round bales. It's funny the first time you see one - it's like someone put it in the dryer.

[Broz]

I like the squares better for the fact you can break them into flakes that will fit into a hanging stall feeder nicely.

As for the quality of the hay. If he has some good standing hay, offer a bit more for him to drop you some of your choice on the ground before he big bailes it all. He will have it windrowed anyway, just a matter of running out there with the square bailer.

Picking it up is not a biggy if you have a low trailer. A full floored car trailer is ideal.

If he trusts you to get it picked up in a timely manner how could he refuse?

.

[AQHA]

I have an old farmer I get mine from, he puts up some nice hay. I just have to get to him early or its all called for. The cost of hay is going to just keep going up; I'm told its fuel (?) and all the subdividing of the land. I have 62 acres of field I may just plant into alfalfa and see if I can become a hay farmer.

[FiveHorses]

Originally Posted by AQHA

I have 62 acres of field I may just plant into alfalfa and see if I can become a hay farmer.

Alfalfa is a thirsty crop... do you have good water rights?

[AQHA]

Originally Posted by FiveHorses

Alfalfa is a thirsty crop... do you have good water rights?

That field will have a sprinkler line in a few years but for now its dry farm. I have winter wheat growing on it now.

[FiveHorses]

You grow it, square bale it, and I'll buy it.