MacDon R85, Operator'S Manual

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OPERATING THE HEADER
4.13 Haying
4.13.1 Curing
Curing crops quickly helps maintain the highest quality because for each day that hay lies on the ground, 5% of the
protein is lost.
Leaving the windrow as wide and
fl uffy as possible results in the quickest curing. Cured hay should be baled as
soon as possible.
4.13.2 Topsoil Moisture
Table 4.3 Topsoil Moisture Levels
Level % Moisture Condition
Wet Over 45% Soil is muddy
Damp 25–45% Shows footprints
Dry Under 25% Surface is dusty
• On wet soil, the general rule of wide and thin does not apply. A narrower windrow will dry faster than hay left fl at
on wet ground.
• When the ground is wetter than the hay, moisture from the soil is absorbed by the hay above it. Determine topsoil
moisture level before cutting. Use a moisture tester or estimate level.
• If ground is wet due to irrigation, wait until soil moisture drops below 45%.
• If ground is wet due to frequent rains, cut when weather allows and let the forage lie on wet ground until it dries
to the moisture level of the ground.
• Cut hay will dry only to the moisture level of the ground beneath it, so consider moving the windrow to drier ground.
4.13.3 Weather and Topography
• Cut as much hay as possible by midday when drying conditions are best.
• Fields sloping south get up to 100% more exposure to the sun’s heat than do north sloping fi elds. If hay is baled
and chopped, consider baling the south facing fi elds and chopping those facing north.
• When relative humidity is high, the evaporation rate is low and hay dries slowly.
• If there is no wind, saturated air becomes trapped around the windrow. Raking or tedding will expose the hay to
fresh, less saturated air.
• Cut hay perpendicular to the direction of the prevailing winds if possible.
4.13.4 Windrow Characteristics
Producing windrows with the recommended characteristics will achieve the greatest results. Refer to
4 Operating
the Header, page 73
for instructions on adjusting the header.
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