hay field need advice

[havvey]

I have a field that can be wet in fall and spring. Want to plow soon (dry) Wondering about discing it and putting seed in now or soon. This is for next year's crop. Any thoughts on this Will lime and fertilize next spring. The object here is to beat the weather.

 

[Iowa_tire_guy]

In Kansas we found that fall seeded alfalfa worked the best. The fall rains were usually lighter and came easier. Also for us we would take off wheat in July and seed hay in August. The volunteer wheat was the cover crop and the next year we would get as many tons as a second year hay crop.

 

[El Toro]

If it was me that's what I would do, but if I were you I would place this request on the Implement forum too. I'm sure you will get some pros and cons. Hal

 

[Anonymous-0]

It is just a little early yet for the seeding. Sometime around the 20th of August or soo after will be best. If seeded now it may sprout and be caught in a heat wave and cook the little fellows off. I have had good luck with various hay crops seeding from late August to mid September.

 

[Dick L]

If it were mine, I would plow it now and work the ground good. Every week or so I would work the ground again until the end of August. I would use a spring tooth and or spike tooth drag to get it as flat and even as possible. I always work the dead furrows in as flat as I can get them. I hate a rough uneven hay field. A cultimulcher is a great tool to work ground ahead of seeding. I have had great results seeding at the end of August. Like was said, after the 20th and into the first week of September.

 

[Anonymous-0]

You need to go to your county AG DEPT they will advise you of the best time in your area and soil tests ect as we dont know the fertility of your soil or what seed will work in your area. Alfalfa can be driiled in the spring and get three cutting first yr if things are in order.