Books and Resources to Start Strong
Starting a hay production business requires knowledge of crop management, equipment operation, soil health, and market dynamics. The right books will give you a foundation in these areas before you invest heavily in equipment or land. These resources cover everything from soil science to hay quality standards to equipment maintenance.
Hay Production by C. Jerry Nelson
This book is the standard reference for small to mid-sized hay operations. It covers crop selection, planting schedules, harvest timing, storage methods, and quality assessment. Nelson provides practical guidance on how to produce premium hay that commands higher prices, which directly affects your profitability.
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The Forage Value Index by the University of Wisconsin Extension
Understanding forage quality is essential when selling to livestock operations. This guide explains how to test hay, interpret lab results, and market premium products. It’s short but dense with actionable information that helps you position your product correctly in the market.
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Farm Machinery and Equipment by Kenneth E. Kepner
Hay production depends entirely on reliable equipment. This book covers equipment selection, maintenance schedules, proper operation, and troubleshooting. Understanding your machinery prevents costly downtime during critical harvest windows when weather and timing are everything.
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Soil Fertility and Nutrient Management by Fred Michel Adams
Healthy soil produces higher-yielding hay crops. This resource explains soil testing, fertilizer selection, and nutrient cycling. Learning how to build soil fertility reduces input costs over time and increases your competitive advantage through better yields.
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Equipment You Need
Hay production requires machinery at every stage: land preparation, planting, maintenance, cutting, drying, and baling. Most equipment falls into a few key categories. Your starting operation may not need everything listed here, but understanding each category helps you plan as you grow.
Tractor and Basic Power Equipment
- Tractor (40–80 horsepower): Core equipment for pulling mowers, rakes, balers, and spreaders. Used models in this range cost $15,000–$35,000 and handle most hay operations.
- Loader bucket or front-end loader: Useful for moving bales and handling materials. Can be added to an existing tractor.
- PTO (Power Take-Off) shaft: Connects tractor to implements that require engine power. Standard on most tractors.
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Cutting and Mowing
- Rotary cutter or bush hog (5–6 feet): Cuts grass to uniform height. Essential for preparing fields and managing hay height before baling.
- Sickle bar mower or disc mower (6–8 feet): Makes cleaner cuts than rotary cutters and is preferred for quality hay. Costs $4,000–$10,000 new, $1,500–$4,000 used.
- Tedder: Spreads cut hay to dry evenly. Reduces drying time by 1–2 days and improves quality. Used models range $2,000–$5,000.
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Raking and Baling
- Hay rake (wheel rake or side-delivery rake): Gathers cut hay into windrows for baling. Wheel rakes cost $1,500–$3,500 used; side-delivery rakes are $2,000–$5,000 used.
- Round baler or square baler: Compresses hay into bales. Round balers cost $8,000–$20,000 used; square balers are $6,000–$15,000 used. Round bales weigh 1,200–1,500 pounds; square bales weigh 40–50 pounds (easier to handle and sell).
- Bale wrapper or twine applicator: Secures bales. Most balers include this, but check used equipment carefully.
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Storage and Handling
- Hay wagon or trailer: Transports bales from field to storage. A basic 6×12 trailer costs $2,000–$4,000 used.
- Bale accumulator or spike handler: Reduces labor when loading and unloading bales. Optional but saves time and reduces injury risk.
- Storage building or shed: Protects bales from rain and UV damage. A 40×60 structure costs $8,000–$15,000 to build or rent; proper storage doubles hay quality and sale price.
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Testing and Safety
- Moisture meter: Tests hay moisture content before baling. Hay must be 15–20% moisture to prevent mold and spontaneous combustion. Cost: $30–$80.
- First aid kit and fire extinguisher: Safety equipment for the barn and equipment shed.
- Soil test kit or lab testing service: Guides fertilizer decisions. County extension offices offer affordable soil testing ($15–$40 per sample).
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What to Buy First vs Later
Prioritize equipment based on your operation size and budget. Start with bare essentials and add equipment as revenue grows.
- First (Year 1): Tractor, rotary cutter or disc mower, hay rake, round or square baler, moisture meter, and a basic trailer. Total: $20,000–$45,000 for used equipment.
- Second (Year 2): Tedder (if you don’t have one), storage building, bale wrapper upgrade, and backup equipment parts.
- Third (Year 3+): Additional implements like a bale accumulator, better storage, or a second tractor for larger operations.
New vs Used Equipment
Most small hay operations start with used equipment, which is sensible. A used square baler or mower works well if it’s been maintained. However, buy new in these cases: tedders (wear quickly), moisture meters (cheap and accurate), and hydraulic components (repairs are expensive if they fail during harvest). Budget $3,000–$5,000 for unexpected repairs during your first year.
When buying used, hire a mechanic to inspect equipment before purchase. Ask the seller about maintenance records, repair history, and when wear items (belts, blades, chains) were last replaced. Equipment that has been regularly serviced is far more reliable than the cheapest option available.
Where to Buy
- Farm equipment auctions: Local and online auctions (check Farm Equipment Guide, Machinery Values, or local auction houses) often have competitive pricing and transparent equipment condition reports.
- Farm equipment dealers: New and late-model used equipment with warranties. Dealers also service what they sell, which matters for ongoing support.
- Private sellers: Farm neighbors, retiring farmers, or classified ads often have the best deals on working equipment. Inspect carefully and negotiate based on condition and maintenance records.
- Equipment rental shops: Rent seasonal equipment (tedders, balers) before buying if you’re unsure about long-term demand.
- Online marketplaces: Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and specialized farm sites. Verify condition in person and ask detailed questions about maintenance.
- Farm supply stores: For small items, safety equipment, consumables (twine, belts, filters), and replacement parts.