{"id":1180,"date":"2026-07-29T03:31:33","date_gmt":"2026-07-29T03:31:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/foragebaler.com\/?p=1180"},"modified":"2026-07-29T03:31:33","modified_gmt":"2026-07-29T03:31:33","slug":"how-to-bale-alfalfa-hay","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/foragebaler.com\/ja\/how-to-bale-alfalfa-hay\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Bale Alfalfa Hay"},"content":{"rendered":"
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<\/div>\n
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Alfalfa \u00b7 Cutting Stage \u00b7 Moisture \u00b7 Baler Settings \u00b7 Hay Quality<\/p>\n

How to Bale Alfalfa Hay: The Complete Production Guide<\/h1>\n

Alfalfa is the highest-value hay crop in U.S. agriculture \u2014 and also the most unforgiving of timing errors. A cutting too late, a moisture level too high, a density setting mismatched to the market: each of these choices costs you money in quality penalties or buyer attrition. This guide covers every step from cutting stage to delivered bale.<\/p>\n

Covers: growth stage \u00b7 curing time \u00b7 moisture window \u00b7 leaf loss \u00b7 baler settings \u00b7 hay analysis \u00b7 market specifications<\/p>\n

View Square Baler Range<\/a>
\nGet a Recommendation<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Why Alfalfa Demands More Precision Than Any Other Hay Crop<\/h2>\n

Alfalfa is not simply green hay \u2014 it is a protein-dense legume that changes nutritional composition rapidly in the days around bloom, loses 40\u201360% of its leaf content under harsh handling, and builds mold within 24 hours of being baled at even slightly elevated moisture. Every decision from cutting day to bale delivery either preserves or destroys the value that the plant accumulated during the growing season.<\/p>\n

The market consequences are direct. Premium first-cut alfalfa baled correctly and sold to horse buyers returns $10\u201318 per bale. The same alfalfa baled late at the wrong moisture, with significant leaf loss, returns perhaps $5\u20138 per bale into cattle hay channels \u2014 or is refused outright by quality-conscious equine buyers. The production steps below are not guidelines; they are the management practices that separate premium-grade product from commodity hay.<\/p>\n

Step 1: Cutting Stage \u2014 When to Mow for Maximum Value<\/h2>\n

The 10% Bloom Rule and Why It Exists<\/h3>\n

The most widely used cutting guideline for alfalfa is the 10% bloom stage \u2014 mow when approximately one in ten plants in the field shows an open flower. At this growth stage, alfalfa stem cell walls have not yet fully lignified, the leaf-to-stem ratio is at its seasonal peak and the crude protein content typically sits at 18\u201322% of dry matter. Waiting for 50% or full bloom reduces crude protein by 3\u20135 percentage points and increases ADF and NDF values, both of which lower the energy value and palatability of the hay for horses and dairy cows.<\/p>\n

For the horse market and export market to Japan or Korea, cutting at or before 10% bloom is the standard that premium buyers apply. For general cattle hay, cutting at 25\u201330% bloom is acceptable and slightly improves yield per acre at the cost of quality. Most growers producing for the equine or export market find that the per-acre yield loss from early cutting (typically 5\u201310% compared to full-bloom yield) is more than offset by the per-tonne price premium from the higher quality.<\/p>\n

Cutting by Region and Season<\/h3>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Production Region<\/th>\nFirst Cut Timing<\/th>\nCuts Per Year<\/th>\nKey Consideration<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
California \/ Arizona (irrigated)<\/td>\nMarch\u2013April<\/td>\n8\u201311 cuts<\/td>\nSummer heat accelerates curing; afternoon baling window often very short<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Pacific Northwest (WA \/ OR)<\/td>\nMay\u2013June<\/td>\n3\u20134 cuts<\/td>\nExport market premium; stricter moisture and ash standards from Japanese buyers<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Great Plains (KS \/ NE \/ SD)<\/td>\nMay\u2013June<\/td>\n3\u20134 cuts<\/td>\nWind aids curing; risk of hail damage during curing period<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Upper Midwest (WI \/ MN \/ MI)<\/td>\nJune<\/td>\n2\u20133 cuts<\/td>\nShorter season; high first-cut yields; humidity management critical for quality<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

Step 2: Conditioning \u2014 Speed Curing Without Crushing Leaves<\/h2>\n

Why Conditioning Matters for Alfalfa<\/h3>\n

Alfalfa stems have a waxy cuticle that significantly slows moisture loss compared to the leaves. In unconditioned alfalfa, stems can retain 25% moisture while adjacent leaves are already at 12% \u2014 the baling window determined by stem moisture is several hours narrower than the leaf moisture reading would suggest. Conditioning \u2014 mechanically crimping or crushing the stem during the mowing pass \u2014 breaks the waxy cuticle and allows stem moisture to escape at a rate much closer to leaf moisture, widening the practical baling window.<\/p>\n

Crimper conditioners (intermeshing rollers with rubber or steel ribs) are the most common type for alfalfa and produce moderate stem conditioning with minimal leaf damage at normal operating speeds. Crusher conditioners (smooth or grooved rollers at higher pressure) provide more aggressive conditioning \u2014 faster curing \u2014 but cause more leaf loss in very dry, late-afternoon conditions when alfalfa leaves are at maximum brittleness. For premium horse and export hay where leaf retention is critical, running the conditioner at appropriate roller gap settings and avoiding mowing when leaves are overly dry reduces the leaf loss cost of conditioning.<\/p>\n

The No-Conditioning Debate<\/h3>\n

Some premium alfalfa producers targeting the highest-end show-horse market deliberately cut without conditioning to achieve maximum leaf retention. Without conditioning, curing takes 1\u20132 additional days, which increases weather risk. The trade-off \u2014 more leaves vs less weather exposure time vs more weather exposure time \u2014 depends on the local forecast reliability and the per-bale price premium from maximum-leaf hay. In regions with very reliable dry periods (Central Valley CA, Southwest irrigated desert), no-conditioning is more viable than in humid or weather-variable regions.<\/p>\n

Step 3: Curing \u2014 The Timeline from Mowing to Baling<\/h2>\n

\"small<\/p>\n

Curing Time by Season and Condition<\/h3>\n

Alfalfa curing time is not fixed \u2014 it varies with temperature, relative humidity, solar radiation, wind speed and windrow density. In ideal conditions (30\u00b0C+, low humidity, full sun, good airflow), conditioned alfalfa can reach baling moisture in 2\u20133 days. In cooler, cloudy or humid conditions, 4\u20136 days is more typical. The single most important rule: do not bale by calendar \u2014 bale by moisture measurement.<\/p>\n

\n
\n
Ideal Conditions<\/div>\n
2\uff5e3\u65e5<\/div>\n

30\u00b0C+, low humidity (<50% RH), full sun, light breeze. Conditioned alfalfa in a wide windrow. Test moisture daily from Day 2.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Standard Conditions<\/div>\n
3\uff5e4\u65e5<\/div>\n

22\u201330\u00b0C, moderate humidity (50\u201365% RH), partial cloud cover. Most productive alfalfa regions during peak season. Begin testing from afternoon of Day 3.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Slow Conditions<\/div>\n
5\u20137 days<\/div>\n

Below 20\u00b0C, high humidity (>70% RH), overcast or light rain events. Northern production or early\/late season. Test morning and afternoon from Day 4.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Raking Timing and Leaf Loss<\/h3>\n

Rake alfalfa in the morning before leaves reach maximum dryness \u2014 the moisture present in the early morning makes leaves pliable rather than brittle, significantly reducing the leaf shatter that occurs when dry leaves contact rake tines. In hot-weather regions where morning moisture burns off quickly, an early morning start (06:00\u201309:00) for raking is often the difference between 5% leaf loss and 15% leaf loss. Never rake in the afternoon on hot days when alfalfa leaves are at their most brittle \u2014 the protein loss from shattered leaves is irreversible.<\/p>\n

Step 4: Moisture Testing \u2014 The Only Decision Point That Cannot Be Skipped<\/h2>\n

Target: 14\u201317% for Small Square Bales<\/h3>\n

The target moisture for alfalfa destined for small square bales in covered barn storage is 14\u201317%. Below 14%, excessive leaf shatter during baling reduces protein yield and bale weight. Above 17%, spontaneous heating begins within 48 hours in dense small square bale stacks \u2014 above 55\u00b0C, Maillard reactions bind protein in a form that horses and ruminants cannot digest. Above 70\u00b0C, the stack is a fire risk.<\/p>\n

Measure windrow core moisture \u2014 not surface moisture \u2014 using a probe-type hay moisture meter pushed 15\u201320cm into the windrow at multiple points across the field. Surface readings consistently underestimate core moisture in alfalfa by 3\u20136 percentage points in warm-weather conditions. A windrow that reads 16% at the surface may be 20\u201322% at the core. Always use the highest reading from representative core measurements as your go or no-go decision point.<\/p>\n

What Happens at Each Moisture Level<\/h3>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\u68b1\u5305\u6642\u306e\u6c34\u5206\u91cf<\/th>\nOutcome in Storage<\/th>\nMarket Consequence<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
12\u201314%<\/td>\nStable, no heating. May be over-dry.<\/td>\nExcess leaf loss at baling reduces CP. Lightweight bales may disappoint buyers on weight.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
14\u201317%<\/td>\nIdeal. Bales stabilise within 2\u20133 weeks. No heating risk in covered storage.<\/td>\nPremium horse and export grade.<\/strong> Maximum leaf retention. Commands full market price.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
17\u201320%<\/td>\nModerate heating within 48\u201372 hours. Protein binding begins above 55\u00b0C.<\/td>\nRisk of buyer rejection on delivery. Reduced nutritional value from heat damage.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Above 20%<\/td>\nSevere heating or mold within 24\u201348 hours. Possible fire risk above 70\u00b0C.<\/td>\nRejected by all premium markets. Potential total loss of the lot.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

Step 5: Baler Settings for Alfalfa \u2014 By Market<\/h2>\n

\"9YF-2200<\/p>\n

Setting by Market Destination<\/h3>\n
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\n
\n
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Horse and equine<\/div>\n
20\u201328kg target<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Standard to moderate plunger density. Shorter bale length if alfalfa is dense to stay under 28kg. The equine market prioritises consistent weight, neat rope ties and firm bale shape. Run 10 calibration bales and weigh at the start of each cutting \u2014 first-cut alfalfa is consistently heavier per unit length than later cuts at the same setting.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Export (Japan \/ Korea)<\/div>\n
20\u201326kg, per buyer spec<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Export buyers specify bale weight, dimensions and moisture in the purchase contract. Verify the exact specification before each lot. Weigh a random sample from each production shift and document results on the lot tag. Japanese dairy buyers are particularly strict on ash content \u2014 consider the fan-cleaning system on the 9YFS-2.2 square baler<\/a> for lots destined for Japan or Korea.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\n
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Livestock \/ dairy TMR<\/div>\n
28\u201338kg maximum density<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Maximum plunger density, longer bale length. Heavier bales maximise tonnes per barn space and reduce bales per truckload for commercial delivery. Twine must be rated at 130kg+ knot strength for high-density alfalfa bales above 30kg \u2014 verify the twine rating before the session.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Late-Cut Alfalfa and the Shredder Advantage<\/h3>\n

Third and fourth cut alfalfa stems are thicker and more woody than first or second cut. In a standard spring-tooth baler without a shredder, late-cut alfalfa compresses with more internal void space \u2014 the thick stems bridge across the bale chamber cross-section rather than packing uniformly. The result is bales that are 10\u201315% lighter per unit length at the same plunger setting as first-cut hay. The single-stage shredder on the 9YF-2200S<\/a> breaks these stems before compression, producing more uniform packing and consistent bale weight from all cutting stages throughout the season.<\/p>\n

\"square<\/p>\n

Step 6: Leaf Retention \u2014 Protecting Your Protein Content<\/h2>\n

Why Every 1% of Leaf Loss Costs You Money<\/h3>\n

Alfalfa leaves contain 70\u201375% of the crude protein in the plant. When leaves shatter and fall into the field during raking or baling, the protein content of the remaining bale decreases proportionally. A 10% leaf loss from the plant total reduces crude protein in the bale by approximately 6\u20137 percentage points \u2014 from 20% to 13\u201314%. This is the difference between horse-quality premium hay and commodity livestock hay.<\/p>\n

Leaf loss occurs at multiple points: mowing, conditioning, raking, tedding and baling each contribute. The largest single loss point in most operations is raking \u2014 particularly afternoon raking in dry conditions. Setting the raking schedule for the morning and using a side-delivery or merge rake rather than a rotary rake typically reduces total leaf loss by 5\u20138 percentage points in alfalfa.<\/p>\n

Baler pickup speed also affects leaf loss. A pickup running faster than necessary for the windrow volume agitates the material more than needed, causing leaf shatter at the tine contact points. Set pickup speed to the minimum that provides complete windrow recovery \u2014 not to the maximum available on the machine.<\/p>\n

Step 7: Hay Analysis \u2014 Documenting Quality to Command Premium Prices<\/h2>\n

\"9YFS-2-2<\/p>\n

What to Test and When<\/h3>\n

Submit one composite forage sample per cutting per field to an accredited laboratory. Collect 15\u201320 core samples from representative bales across the lot using a hay probe (not a grab sample from the bale end \u2014 this gives a non-representative surface reading). Mix the cores, fill a sample bag and submit within 48 hours of collection. Most accredited labs return results within 3\u20135 business days at a cost of $20\u201340 per sample.<\/p>\n

The standard analysis panel for alfalfa includes: moisture, crude protein (CP), acid detergent fibre (ADF), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), relative forage quality (RFQ), total digestible nutrients (TDN) and ash. For export to Japan or Korea, request the extended panel that includes potassium, nitrates and sometimes mycotoxin screening \u2014 Japanese buyers frequently specify these tests in purchase contracts.<\/p>\n

Using Analysis Results in Pricing<\/h3>\n

A hay analysis certificate attached to a delivery invoice or displayed at a farm stand transforms your hay from an undifferentiated commodity into a documented product. Boarding stable managers and feed store buyers who receive analysis results consistently order from the same supplier rather than shopping each season \u2014 because the data allows them to plan rations predictably. For direct sales to horse owners, attaching a laminated analysis card to a representative bale from each cutting allows the buyer to read the protein and ADF numbers during pickup. Buyers who understand forage nutrition will pay a measurable premium for this documentation.<\/p>\n

The Cutting-to-Baling Timeline: A Practical Reference<\/h2>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Day<\/th>\nActivity<\/th>\nKey Action \/ Check<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
0\u65e5\u76ee<\/td>\nMowing with conditioner<\/td>\nCut at 10% bloom. Set roller gap correctly. Avoid late afternoon mow if humidity will rise overnight.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1\u65e5\u76ee<\/td>\nTedding (optional)<\/td>\nSpread windrows if dense. Avoid tedding in afternoon heat with dry leaves \u2014 leaf shatter risk is maximum at this stage.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
2\u65e5\u76ee<\/td>\nRaking (early morning)<\/td>\nRake before 10:00. First moisture probe test afternoon. Target below 20% core before raking.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
3\u65e5\u76ee<\/td>\nMoisture check + baling decision<\/td>\nTest windrow core multiple times. If below 17%, bale in afternoon. If 17\u201320%, wait one more half-day. Above 20% \u2014 wait.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Day 3\u20134<\/td>\nBaling (afternoon window)<\/td>\nStart 13:00\u201314:00. Weigh 10 calibration bales. Stop before dew fall in evening. Target 14\u201317% moisture.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Day 4+<\/td>\nStorage and delivery<\/td>\nBring bales into covered storage within 24 hours of baling. Submit forage sample. Document moisture and weight per lot.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n
\n

PTO and Driveline Reference for Alfalfa Baling<\/h3>\n
\n

\n\"agricultural
\n<\/a><\/p>\n

Gearbox torque ratings and PTO shaft standards for all alfalfa baling power classes: \u8fb2\u696d\u7528\u30ae\u30a2\u30dc\u30c3\u30af\u30b9\u304a\u3088\u3073PTO\u30b7\u30e3\u30d5\u30c8\u306e\u4ed5\u69d8<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Alfalfa baling in humid conditions or with shredder-equipped models places higher sustained PTO loads than standard hay. Correct driveshaft length and CV joint specifications protect the gearbox at these sustained loads. Full specifications: PTO driveshaft and CV joint sizing guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Frequently Asked Questions \u2014 Baling Alfalfa Hay<\/h2>\n
\n
\nHow do I know if my alfalfa is ready to bale without a moisture meter?+<\/span><\/summary>\n
A probe-type moisture meter is strongly recommended for alfalfa \u2014 field-feel tests are unreliable for this crop because of the stem-to-leaf moisture differential. However, two traditional indicators are useful as supplements: the stem crinkle test (bend a fresh stem sharply; if it bends without breaking or springs back without crinkle sounds, moisture is too high \u2014 a stem that cracks and crinkles at the bend point is approaching baling readiness); and the twist test (grab a handful of windrow material and twist; if sap or moisture is released, too wet \u2014 if the material twists and crinkles without releasing moisture, approaching bale-ready). These tests are most useful for confirming what a probe reading already suggests, not as a standalone decision tool. Buy a probe moisture meter before baling alfalfa \u2014 the cost of one hot lot of hay due to an incorrect estimate will pay for multiple meters.<\/div>\n<\/details>\n
\nWhy does my alfalfa hay heat in the barn even when I tested 17% moisture before baling?+<\/span><\/summary>\n
There are three common reasons. First: the 17% reading was from the windrow surface, not the core. Probe moisture meters must be pushed into the windrow centre \u2014 15\u201320cm depth \u2014 to capture the moisture that is actually inside the bale after compression. Surface and core can differ by 4\u20136 percentage points in alfalfa. Second: the bales were stacked too quickly after baling, before the initial moisture equilibration period. Fresh bales need 24\u201348 hours in a single layer with airflow around them before being stacked more than 3\u20134 layers high. Third: a portion of the lot was baled at a higher moisture window than the tested points \u2014 fields are not uniform, and low-lying or shaded areas often retain more moisture than the probe sampling points. Next season, increase the number of probe tests across the field width and avoid baling after 18:00 when evening humidity begins to rise.<\/div>\n<\/details>\n
\nIs first-cut or second-cut alfalfa better for the horse market?+<\/span><\/summary>\n
Both are sold into the premium horse market, but they serve different buyer needs. First-cut alfalfa has the highest yield per acre and typically the highest stem-to-leaf ratio \u2014 more stem and slightly lower protein per unit of dry matter than second cut. It suits high-energy performance horses and horses that need to gain weight. Second-cut alfalfa has a finer stem, higher leaf fraction, higher crude protein (typically 20\u201324% vs 17\u201320% for first cut) and is the preferred grade for the most particular horse buyers, including show horses and lactating mares. In the horse hay market, second-cut alfalfa consistently commands a slight price premium over first-cut. For mixed equine operations, producing and marketing first-cut and second-cut separately \u2014 with analysis certificates showing the different protein levels \u2014 allows you to price and position each cutting for its best buyer category.<\/div>\n<\/details>\n
\nHow many small square bales of alfalfa per acre should I expect?+<\/span><\/summary>\n
Alfalfa yield per cutting in the 460\u00d7360mm small square format varies widely. A mid-range scenario in productive conditions: 2 tons per acre first-cut at 16% baling moisture gives a field weight of approximately 1,882kg per acre. At 24kg average bale weight (standard density), this yields approximately 78 bales per acre. At a premium horse hay price of $12 per bale, this is $936 gross revenue per acre per cutting \u2014 before costs. In very high-yield irrigated western production at 3 tons per acre first cut, the same calculation gives approximately 117 bales per acre at the same settings. Actual results vary with field yield, bale length and density settings, windrow recovery rate and moisture at baling. Weigh the first 10 bales of each cutting to establish your actual per-bale weight and calculate the realistic season total from field count.<\/div>\n<\/details>\n
\nShould I add preservative to alfalfa baled at the high end of the moisture range?+<\/span><\/summary>\n
Hay preservatives \u2014 typically propionic acid or buffered propionic acid blends applied at baling \u2014 can extend the safe baling moisture threshold for alfalfa small square bales from approximately 17% to approximately 20\u201322%. They work by inhibiting the microbial activity that causes heating. Whether to use preservatives depends on the economics: preservative application equipment and product costs are a real additional expense. The justification is clearest when you are under genuine weather pressure to bale before the moisture is ideal \u2014 a forecast rain event in 12 hours with hay at 19% moisture makes preservative application economically rational. For routine production, managing to below 17% without preservative is always preferable. For the horse and export premium market specifically, some buyers are cautious about preservative-treated hay \u2014 verify that your target buyer category accepts treated hay before using it as a standard practice.<\/div>\n<\/details>\n
\nHow does rain on curing alfalfa affect quality and what should I do?+<\/span><\/summary>\n
A rain event on curing alfalfa causes immediate quality damage through two mechanisms. Leaching \u2014 soluble sugars, potassium and some protein are washed from leaf and stem surfaces by rain contact and are permanently lost from the hay. Leaf loss \u2014 wet leaves that were beginning to dry become adhesive and shatter more easily when handling equipment contacts them after drying. A single moderate rain event on alfalfa at 25% moisture (Day 2 of curing) is less damaging than the same rain event on alfalfa at 18% moisture (approaching baling readiness), because the wetter hay has less to lose by percentage. After rain, ted the windrows when the surface is no longer wet to re-open the material to airflow. Expect to extend the curing timeline by 1\u20132 additional days minimum and test moisture carefully before baling \u2014 rain-wetted alfalfa that appears dry on the surface can still be 20\u201322% at the core for an extended period after the surface dries.<\/div>\n<\/details>\n
\nWhat is the best baler for producing premium alfalfa hay?+<\/span><\/summary>\n
For most alfalfa hay operations producing for the horse and retail markets, the 9YF-1900 or 9YF-2200 from the 9YF square baler range<\/a> provide reliable performance with 50HP minimum tractor requirement and consistent 460\u00d7360mm format bales across all cutting stages. For operations producing exclusively for the premium export market to Japan or Korea \u2014 where ash content is a measurable quality criterion \u2014 the 9YFS-2.2 with its negative-pressure fan system removes soil particles from the material stream before compression, consistently producing lower-ash bales than standard-compression machines from the same field. For late-cut alfalfa operations where thick stems reduce density consistency, the 9YF-2200S single shredder model improves density uniformity from mature stem material. The right choice depends on your primary market and tractor power class.<\/div>\n<\/details>\n
\nHow long can alfalfa hay be stored before quality begins to decline?+<\/span><\/summary>\n
Alfalfa hay stored correctly in covered, well-ventilated barn conditions at 14\u201316% moisture loses quality gradually over time \u2014 primarily through slow oxidation of carotene (vitamin A precursor), some protein browning from residual biochemical activity and slow loss of water-soluble vitamins. In practical terms: alfalfa baled correctly and stored in covered conditions retains premium quality for 6\u20138 months without significant analytical change detectable by forage testing. After 12 months, carotene content is typically substantially reduced (alfalfa colour changes from bright green toward olive) and some protein binding has occurred. Nutritive value remains adequate for most livestock applications for up to 18\u201324 months in good storage. For the premium horse and export market, producing and selling within the same season \u2014 matching production volume to established buyer demand \u2014 avoids long storage and maintains the fresh green colour and aroma that premium buyers associate with quality.<\/div>\n<\/details>\n<\/div>\n

Produce Premium Alfalfa Hay With the Right Equipment<\/h2>\n
\n

From the compact 9YF-1700 for small equestrian properties to the fan-equipped 9YFS-2.2 for export-grade production \u2014 tell us your alfalfa acreage, target market and tractor HP and we will recommend the right model for your operation.<\/p>\n

View Square Baler Range<\/a>
\nGet a Recommendation<\/a><\/div>\n

\u30a2\u30e1\u30ea\u30ab\u30fb\u30a8\u30d0\u30fc\u30d1\u30ef\u30fc\u30fb\u30d5\u30a9\u30ec\u30fc\u30b8\u30fb\u30d9\u30fc\u30e9\u30fc\u30fb\u30a4\u30af\u30a4\u30c3\u30d7\u30e1\u30f3\u30c8\u793e \u00b7 1401 21st ST STE R, Sacramento, CA 95811<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Alfalfa \u00b7 Cutting Stage \u00b7 Moisture \u00b7 Baler Settings \u00b7 Hay Quality How to Bale Alfalfa Hay: The Complete Production Guide Alfalfa is the highest-value hay crop in U.S. agriculture \u2014 and also the most unforgiving of timing errors. A cutting too late, a moisture level too high, a density setting mismatched to the market: each of these choices costs you money in quality penalties or buyer attrition. This guide covers every step from cutting stage to delivered bale. Covers: growth stage \u00b7 curing time \u00b7 moisture window \u00b7 leaf loss \u00b7 baler settings \u00b7 hay analysis \u00b7 market specifications View Square Baler Range Get a Recommendation Why Alfalfa Demands […]<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[28],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1180","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-forage-baler"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/foragebaler.com\/ja\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1180","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/foragebaler.com\/ja\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/foragebaler.com\/ja\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/foragebaler.com\/ja\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/foragebaler.com\/ja\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1180"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/foragebaler.com\/ja\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1180\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1181,"href":"https:\/\/foragebaler.com\/ja\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1180\/revisions\/1181"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/foragebaler.com\/ja\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1180"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/foragebaler.com\/ja\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1180"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/foragebaler.com\/ja\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1180"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}