Fordfarmer
Well-known Member
I've swathed part of my oats the last two years, but in both cases, it was after I found a swather, and I only did it to dry out the weeds...the oats were already mature and dry. Since I don't have to look for a swather this year (bought a GOOD one last year, not a POS like 2 years ago), I can be more flexible as to when I start swathing. But when is too soon? Do you normally let the oats get dry, or hurry the process by swathing? No neighbors to watch or ask - not much swathing gets done around here, and really not even much small grain gets combined any more - mostly used as forage. I have about 55 acres of oats, and will probably swath 35 acres. The rest looks clean enough to direct cut.