Hay growers can control some aspects of harvesting in wet conditions. Dan Undersander, University of Wisconsin Extension forage agronomist, offers a few tips.
First, if harvesting mature hay, growers should adjust their mowers’ cutting heights so regrowth isn’t damaged.
“If they cut it their normal height, it will cut off the regrowth and set back second-cutting yield,” he explains. “You should check your field to see if there are new shoots coming up, and then to try to cut above that level.” That could mean cutting 6” or higher, he warns.
Second, growers should spread harvested hay in wide swaths to dry more quickly.
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