8 Supplies for Harvesting Summer Hay on Small Farms

When the summer sun bakes the pastures and the grasses reach their peak nutritional value, the race against the weather window begins for small-scale farmers. Harvesting hay on a smaller acreage doesn’t require massive, industrial tractors, but it does demand a highly efficient, reliable setup of specialized tools. Having the right gear on hand ensures that precious forage is cut, dried, baled, and stored before a single drop of rain ruins the harvest.

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Preparing Your Small Farm for Summer Haying

Summer haying on a small farm is a high-stakes dance with nature where timing is everything. Unlike large commercial operations with massive fleets, a small acreage relies on nimbleness and preparation to capture peak nutrition in the field. Walking the fields in late spring to clear debris, rocks, and fallen branches prevents catastrophic equipment damage during the frantic cutting days.

Having the right tools scaled specifically for small acreage prevents the frustration of over-powered machinery tearing up wet soil or under-powered tools failing mid-harvest. A successful micro-hay harvest depends on matching the equipment to the physical layout of the land, including tight gates, orchard rows, and sloped paddocks. Preparing early means servicing engines, sharpening blades, and stocking up on consumables long before the grass starts to seed.

Sickle Bar Mower – BCS 620 Max Walk-Behind

A sickle bar mower is essential for cutting standing grass cleanly without chopping it too fine, allowing it to lay flat in uniform swaths for fast drying. The BCS 620 Max walk-behind tractor paired with a sickle bar attachment is a game-changer for tight spaces. Its reciprocating blades cut the grass cleanly at the base, leaving the stems intact to facilitate even drying. This unit handles steep slopes and tight corners where a standard tractor would tip or fail to maneuver.

• Engine: Honda GX270 gas engine provides reliable pull-starts.
• Working width: Available in 30- to 53-inch bar widths to match pasture density.
• Maintenance: Requires regular blade sharpening and grease on the drive mechanism.

Operating a walk-behind tractor requires physical stamina, especially on uneven terrain, and adjusting the skid shoes is critical to avoid scalping the soil. Users must learn to balance the machine using the handles, especially when turning at the end of a row.

This setup is ideal for homesteaders managing one to five acres of orchard grass or clover. It is not suitable for those looking for high-speed, ride-on comfort or those clearing massive, multi-acre flat prairies.

Walk-Behind Belt Rake – Molon 120 Hay Rake

Gathering cut grass into fluffy windrows is crucial to accelerate drying and prepare the crop for the baler. The Molon 120 Hay Rake integrates seamlessly with walk-behind tractors, offering dual-functionality as both a tedder to spread damp hay and a rake to windrow. Its belt-driven design uses flexible tines that gently lift the crop rather than dragging it, preserving the delicate, nutrient-rich leaves of legume crops.

• Working width: 48 inches (120 cm), perfect for narrow pasture gates.
• Tine type: Durable spring-steel tines that resist snapping on hidden rocks.
• Drive mechanism: V-belt drive system that acts as a slip clutch to protect the gearbox.

Operators must master the height adjustment to ensure the tines skim the ground without digging into the dirt, which introduces dust into the hay. Keeping the belt tension properly adjusted prevents slippage when working in heavy, thick grasses.

This rake is perfect for small-scale growers who need to maximize leaf retention in high-value horse hay. It is not the right choice for farms with rough, un-cleared ground filled with large, protruding rocks and thick woody brush.

Mini Round Baler – Abbriata M50 Mini Baler

Compacting loose windrows into manageable, weather-resistant packages is the key to successful transport and storage. The Abbriata M50 Mini Baler produces compact round bales that naturally shed water better than square bales, making them highly forgiving for outdoor storage. The machine’s low horsepower requirement allows it to run off small utility tractors, bringing professional-grade baling to small-scale operations.

• Bale size: 20" diameter by 28" width, easily moved with a hand cart.
• Power requirement: Minimum of 15 horsepower at the PTO.
• Binding: Uses standard net wrap or twine options.

Maintaining a consistent ground speed is critical when operating this baler; driving too fast will clog the pickup reel, while driving too slow produces loose, sloppy bales. Regular lubrication of the chains and knotter mechanism is required to keep the machine running smoothly during hot afternoon sessions.

This baler is excellent for solo operators and small-scale sheep or goat farmers who feed animals individually. It is not practical for large cattle operations requiring high-tonnage daily feeding.

Hay Moisture Tester – Agratronix HMT2 Meter

Measuring the internal moisture of the hay ensures it is dry enough to bale safely without molding or combusting. The Agratronix HMT2 Meter is a rugged, probe-style tester that provides instant digital readouts of both moisture percentage and temperature. Its extra-long, 20-inch stainless steel probe reaches deep into the center of windrows or packed bales where moisture pockets hide. This tool eliminates the guesswork of the "hand-twist" test, protecting the harvest from catastrophic barn fires caused by damp hay.

• Moisture range: Measures from 14% to 44% moisture content.
• Display: Backlit LCD screen for easy reading in direct summer sunlight.
• Calibration: Built-in calibration clip ensures accuracy season after season.

Users must take multiple readings throughout the field, as moisture levels can vary wildly between low-lying shaded areas and sunny hilltops. Ensuring the probe is wiped clean between tests prevents false readings from sap buildup.

This tester is a non-negotiable insurance policy for any small-scale haymaker storing forage indoors. It is unnecessary for those who only cut wild grass for immediate, green-chop feeding.

Manure and Hay Fork – Ames 5-Tine Forged Fork

Manually moving loose hay, clearing clogs from machinery, and stacking bales in tight loft spaces requires a tough, well-balanced hand tool. The Ames 5-Tine Forged Fork features a heavy-duty, forged steel head with pointed, scoop-shaped tines that glide effortlessly into dense hay piles. The 48-inch ash wood handle provides the perfect balance of leverage and strength without adding unnecessary weight. Unlike cheap hardware store pitchforks, the tines on this tool will not bend or snap when lifting heavy, compacted flakes.

• Tine count: 5 tines, optimal for holding loose grass without letting it slip through.
• Handle material: North American ash wood, varnished for weather resistance.
• Connection: Secure ferrule design prevents the head from wobbling over time.

Proper lifting technique is essential when using this fork; using the legs rather than the back prevents fatigue during long days in the hot loft. Keeping the tines clean and lightly oiled during the off-season prevents rust and maintains the sharp tips.

This tool is indispensable for anyone managing loose hay or cleaning up around the baler. It is not designed for heavy digging in rocky soil or moving large gravel.

Baling Twine – Bridon Cordage Gold Star Sisal

Binding the bales tightly together ensures they maintain their structural integrity during transport, stacking, and storage. Bridon Cordage Gold Star Sisal is a premium, natural-fiber twine that offers exceptional knot strength and uniform thickness. Unlike synthetic plastic twines, sisal is fully biodegradable, meaning dropped scraps won’t litter the pasture or cause fatal impactions if accidentally ingested by livestock. It is treated with a mild, animal-safe repellent to deter rodents and insects from chewing through the bands in storage.

• Material: 100% natural, biodegradable sisal fibers.
• Tensile strength: 16,000-foot spools rated for reliable knotting under high tension.
• Compatibility: Works smoothly in both vintage and modern small square and round balers.

Sisal twine must be kept bone-dry before use, as moisture inside the baler’s twine box can cause the fibers to swell and jam the knotter mechanism. Proper tension adjustments on the baler are necessary to prevent the natural fibers from shearing under sudden pressure.

This product is ideal for environmentally conscious farmers feeding sheep, goats, or horses. It is not recommended for bales that will be left uncovered on wet ground for more than a few months, as natural fibers will rot over time.

Heavy-Duty Hay Tarp – Bull Dog Heavy Duty Tarp

Protecting stacked bales from rain, dew, and sun bleaching is critical when indoor barn space is unavailable. The Bull Dog Heavy Duty Tarp features a thick, multi-layer polyethylene weave with reinforced corners and heavy-duty brass grommets spaced every 18 inches. Its silver outer coating reflects harsh summer UV rays to prevent the hay from drying out and losing nutritional value, while the black interior blocks light completely. This tarp is designed to withstand high winds and heavy downpours without tearing or leaking.

• Material weight: 12 mil thickness, industrial-grade durability.
• Grommets: Rust-resistant brass, double-reinforced along the hem.
• Sizing: Available in various sizes; a 15×20 foot tarp is perfect for small outdoor stacks.

Securing the tarp requires a proper tie-down system using heavy-duty bungee cords or ropes anchored to pallets, rather than simply weighing the edges down with loose rocks. Ensuring the stack is sloped allows rainwater to run off rather than pooling in the center of the tarp.

This tarp is a must-have for small farms lacking dedicated barn space or those with overflow crops. It is not a permanent replacement for a well-ventilated, dry hay shed.

Leather Work Gloves – Wells Lamont HydraHyde

Protecting the operator’s hands from blisters, rope burns, splinters, and stinging insects is vital during intensive manual labor. The Wells Lamont HydraHyde gloves combine the rugged durability of grain cowhide leather with a water-resistant tanning process. This means the gloves remain soft and pliable even after getting wet from sweat or morning dew, preventing the stiffening common in standard leather gloves. The reinforced palm patch offers extra protection against rough sisal twine and splintered wooden tool handles.

• Material: HydraHyde-treated grain cowhide leather.
• Wrist style: Keystone thumb design for maximum dexterity and fit.
• Sizing: Available from Small to XX-Large to ensure a snug, blister-free fit.

Leather gloves require a brief break-in period of a few hours of work to mold perfectly to the shape of the user’s hands. Storing them in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight prevents the leather from drying out and cracking prematurely.

These gloves are essential gear for anyone handling baling twine, wooden forks, or stacking hay. They are not designed for tasks requiring fine finger dexterity, such as repairing small carburetor parts.

Monitoring Weather Windows for Cutting Hay

The absolute rule of haymaking is that grass must be cut, dried, and baled without receiving rain. A single rain shower on cut, drying grass washes out soluble carbohydrates, drastically reducing the feed value and turning beautiful green forage into dusty, gray bedding. Successful small-scale farmers become obsessive weather watchers, looking for a solid three- to four-day window of low humidity, sunshine, and steady breezes.

Relying solely on local television forecasts is a recipe for disaster; utilizing agricultural weather apps that show dew point and hourly humidity levels yields much better results. Cutting should ideally begin in the late morning after the dew has evaporated from the standing grass. This ensures the drying process starts immediately, maximizing the solar radiation of the day’s peak heat hours.

Safe Handling and Stacking Tips for Small Barns

Stacking hay in a small barn or loft is a physically demanding chore that requires a systematic approach to prevent injury and maximize space. Before the first bale arrives, the storage area must be swept clean of old dust, cobwebs, and debris that could harbor moisture or pests. Laying down a base layer of wooden pallets creates a crucial air gap, preventing ground moisture from seeping up into the bottom layer of bales.

When stacking square or mini round bales, use a crisscross pattern—alternating the direction of the bales with each layer—to tie the stack together and prevent collapse. Keep the cut sides of square bales facing down or to the side, as this allows any remaining moisture to escape through the stem ends. Never stack hay completely to the rafters; leave at least two feet of headspace to allow hot air to rise and escape through ridge vents.

Preventing Mold and Spoilage in Stored Hay

Mold is the ultimate enemy of stored hay, ruining feed value and posing severe respiratory health risks to both livestock and humans. Hay baled at moisture levels above 18% creates a breeding ground for fungi and bacteria. As these microorganisms feed on the plant sugars, they generate metabolic heat, which can raise the internal temperature of the stack to dangerous levels, occasionally causing spontaneous combustion.

To prevent spoilage, monitor the stack daily for the first three weeks post-harvest using a long-probe thermometer. If internal temperatures remain below 120°F (49°C), the hay is curing safely; if temperatures climb toward 140°F (60°C), the stack must be disassembled immediately to cool. Spreading agricultural-grade rock salt between the layers during stacking can help absorb residual moisture and inhibit mold growth in marginal conditions.

Harvesting summer hay on a small farm is a challenging but immensely rewarding endeavor that secures high-quality feed for your animals. By equipping your operation with reliable, scaled-down tools and monitoring the weather with precision, you can turn a frantic seasonal chore into a smooth, successful routine. With the right supplies in your barn, you will be ready to make the most of every sunny summer window.