R U Happy Ranch – Hay Production
Were you aware of the steps that R U Happy Ranch takes to provide quality hay to Ark Country Store and Ellis County?
R U Happy Ranch utilizes a fertility & weed control program to increase the quality of hay by increased protein and higher feed value. The start of the coastal hay production process starts with winter weed control, which typically takes place in February or early March. The second step to the process is summer weed and feed application, which takes place in mid-April. Weed and grass control techniques are used to provide a clean weed free bale of hay.
During the feeding process, we utilize nitrogen to maximize protein. One of the products used during the summer weed and feed application is called, Take Off Sulfone. This product reduces nitrate within the plant and increases nutrient uptake for both plant and animal digestion.
After each cutting, we fertilize to have consistent hay throughout the season. Knowing that we cannot control events such as the weather, temperature, etc., we try to manage all variables possible.
The next step of the hay bailing process is using a hay cutter to crimp the hay, which speeds up the dry down process and it allows the coastal to retain a good green color. We then use a hay tedder, which evenly distributes the hay so that it can uniformly cure.
Once the hay has been cured to the desired moisture content, final adjustments are made on the hay baler to start baling. These adjustments are made to keep the bale size uniform with the perfect size and weight.
After the hay has been baled in the desired size and weight, the bales are then picked up with a Bale Bandit. We utilize tractor cab iPad technology to monitor the consistency and efficiency of the bales. The Bale Bandit is used to increase efficiency from the field to trailer, trailer to storage, and storage to the customer. Each 21 bale bundle is easy to store and provides an accurate bale count for the end consumer. These bundles also allow the bales to stay green when stored all year.
“We strive to provide the highest quality of coastal hay for the consumers of Ellis County, with customer and animal satisfaction being #1!”- Reggie Underwood
Nannette Paghi, A hay customer for the past 10 years, said, “ Ark Country Store’s coastal hay is the cleanest, most consistent hay bales I’ve ever had. It never has trash in it. The hay bundles hold moisture well so the hay stays fresher longer.”
Keith Shaw said, “I’ve been custom hay bailing for 31 years, and I have never seen grass of such high quality and consistency, year end and year out, even under adverse weather conditions.”