MEADOW AND PASTURE GRASSES 



95 



Harvesting. — The time of harvesting grasses for hay will be deter- 

 mined: (1) by the weather conditions that prevail at the period of 

 maturity, (2) the injury to the succeeding crop as determined by time of 

 cutting, (3) the total yield as determined by stage of maturity, (4) the 

 amount of digestible nutrients secured, and (5) the digestibility and 

 palatability of the product. These factors will vary somewhat with 

 different species of grasses and with the character of animals to which 

 they are to be fed. In general, hay cutting should take place from the 

 period of bloom until seeds are in the dough stage. The total pounds of 

 dry matter will generally increase up to fair maturity. Palatability will 

 be lessened and digestibility diminished if harvesting is too long delayed. 

 If a large acreage is to be handled and weather conditions are uncertain, 

 the harvest period is likely to be prolonged. It is, therefore, well to begin 



The Side Delivery Rake. 1 



harvesting rather early in order that the harvest may be completed before 

 the grass becomes too mature. 



The market demands a product of timothy hay that is fairly mature 

 when harvested. Such hay is more easily cured and less likely to contain 

 dust and moulds. The large part of timothy that is placed upon the market 

 is used for feeding horses, and feeders object to dusty and mouldy hay. 



The quality of hay is determined to a large extent by the manner in 

 which it is handled and cured. This in turn depends to no small degree 

 upon weather conditions. Warm weather, accompanied by plenty of 

 sunshine and a fairly dry atmosphere, is favorable to hay making. If 

 the grass is fairly mature it may be cut late in the afternoon or early in 

 the morning, and placed in the windrow or shock during the evening. 

 Where hay is produced extensively, it is advisable to use up-to-date 



1 Courtesy of The International Harvester Company, Chicago . 



