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Oklahoma State University Stillwater, OK |
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Oklahoma Alfalfa |
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Oklahoma State University Stillwater, OK |
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Oklahoma Alfalfa |
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| MOWER/CONDITIONER & SWATHER ADJUSTMENTS | |
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Proper mower/conditioner adjustment is very important, especially in spring, to minimize hay exposure to the environment and minimize respiration losses. Conditioners crimp, crush, or bruise stems, allowing moisture to escape more easily. If stems dry faster, hay can be baled sooner, which reduces the time hay is exposed to the weather. Conditioning stems speeds stem drying time to match leaf drying time. Stems and leaves drying at the same rate reduces leaf shatter during raking and baling. Check roller or crimper clearance and/or springs tension for enough conditioning pressure on stems. Early cuttings have thicker stems than later in the season. Close crimper clearance or tighten roller springs for finer stems on later cuttings. Windrows dry to baling moisture levels
quicker if windrows are wider and thinner. Wide windrows expose more of
the forage to direct sun and wind. Studies show drying time can decrease
by about a third if windrow width is doubled. Consider widening windrows
as much as your baler will allow to enhance drying and bale ahead of rain
or changing weather.
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| Ron Justice, Former Grady Co. Extension Director
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