Joe T

You mean 50/50 cash split then I keep 1/3 of the hay for myself?

I'd need to keep my exemptions if I clear a good portion of land so I'll most likely be doing this. I've talked to one guy so far about actually cutting it and he said generally I'd have to put out on planting it... Does this sound normal and how costly is this... How many years would I have to commit if the cutter was to plant it, within reason?

Also in my soil I've found I will most likely want to use Bermuda.

clutch1

dont even worry about round baling it, especially in your area ,plant your bermuda, keep it weed free, fertilize it, and have someone cut and square bale it for horse quallity hay. have it sold in the field, plenty of small farms around looking for good clean hay.

NEED_MORE_TORQU

What is the average price for a square bales? What is the average number per acre? How many times a year do you bale (bail?) hay?

Luke S

I sold some 50 lb bales last week for $5.00 a piece. That was not the norm, usually I get between $3.50 and $4.00. If conditions are perfect I can yield as many as 125-140 bales to the acre, but that does not always happen. In a normal year I get three cuttings, now the yields I gave you were for first cutting, after that they fall off.

NEED_MORE_TORQU

Alright, so lets say you have ~120 acres of land. You don't want any hassle, you want to hire a professional that knows his stuff, get in, bail it, take his share, buy the rest from you, and get out. Do this 2-3 times a year. Is this how it works?

Luke S

At least once a year. Depending on what kind of hay you are growing, what type of ground you are growing it on, and the weather, thats pretty much how it works.

clutch1

on the first cutting it'll be cleaning the fields (weeds and winter grass), your hired baler wont want to jump on that hay unless he has cattle customers that need it, he might take the hay and sell what he can if it dosnt cover the cost to bale it then you'll owe him the rest and you sell the left over hay. on the second and third cuttings he might agree to bale it on 50-50% or 70-30% depending on the quality of the hay, and demand in your area.

clutch1

i think thats what it'll be this year around here for square bales. last year it was 3.50 in the field.

koogala

#1...Don't EVEN begin thinking of buying the equip yourself for that 20 acres..
It would take forever if at all to pay for itself.

#2 See what the other guys around you plant for hay....Coastal Bermuda,Klein, & Haygrazer are all good choices in my area. Latest "Rage"
is Tifton 85...A very thick, coastal-like grass with much broader leaves...Can't
hardly walk thru a good stand.

#3 Prices will be down CONSIDERABLY from last year because there has been
good rain everywhere that I know of in Texas....Lots of supply...

#4 If you can't get started or don't get good ideas from your nieghbors or
here, contact your county extension agent. He will put you on right track.
If you're near Crockett (Houston County) its the 2nd leading beef cattle
county in Texas. Somebody there will definately know how to put you on
track....Good Luck!

koogala

#1...Don't EVEN begin thinking of buying the equip yourself for that 20 acres..
It would take forever if at all to pay for itself.

#2 See what the other guys around you plant for hay....Coastal Bermuda,Klein, & Haygrazer are all good choices in my area. Latest "Rage"
is Tifton 85...A very thick, coastal-like grass with much broader leaves...Can't
hardly walk thru a good stand.

#3 Prices will be down CONSIDERABLY from last year because there has been
good rain everywhere that I know of in Texas....Lots of supply...

#4 If you can't get started or don't get good ideas from your nieghbors or
here, contact your county extension agent. He will put you on right track.
If you're near Crockett (Houston County) its the 2nd leading beef cattle
county in Texas. Somebody there will definately know how to put you on
track....Good Luck!

Joe T

I'm about an hour and a half away from Crockett.

koogala

That Trinity River area in Houston County is some great looking cow country.

I don't go up that way much but every time I have I am impressed....& NO
MESQUITE!