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Precision AG in Hay Production. By: Jared Yost. History. Hay production started in the early 1800’s They cut hay by hand using sickles Not until the 1860’s, reapers and binders where being developed. Stationary balers came out to farmers in the early 1870’s
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Precision AG in Hay Production By: Jared Yost
History • Hay production started in the early 1800’s • They cut hay by hand using sickles • Not until the 1860’s, reapers and binders where being developed
Stationary balers came out to farmers in the early 1870’s • In the 1936 the automatic round baler was invented • Both square baler and round baler were used in most areas by the 1940’s
Objectives in Hay Production • Increase productivity • Reduce fuel cost • Reduce labor cost • Software Equipment • Hardware Equipment
RFID • Radio Frequency Identification Device • Date • Time • Moisture content • Weight • Producer uses hand-held scanners to to read tags that are attached the bale
Trimble started in 2010 with ThingMagic • Suppliers • AGCO • New Holland • Case IH
Small Square Balers • Bale Baron • Bale Bandit http://youtu.be/RSR8iHrr3TU http://youtu.be/A7zl5Y_f2oM
Bale Bandit • Metal Bands cost $1.26 per bundle of 21 bales • Can handle 21 to 18 bale bundles, with length being from 37” to 42’’ • Small bales bring a higher price per ton than the big squares or round bales
Bale Baron • Plastic Twine • 25.00 for a 9000 ft roll = .016 per bundle • Also weaker than metal bands • Smart Solve - Computer Control System • The Smart/Solve system runs using a PLC that constantly monitors and warns the operator when needed.
W. R. Long Grapalator • Handles from 1 to 10 bales. • Will work with bales from 34" to 42" long. • The Grapalator weight is 780 lbs. • Rails can be removed and be stored on unit. • http://youtu.be/elYZs-OfoH4
Problems • Metal bands can break if the ground isn’t smooth with the Bale Bandit • Sometimes wont keep the bundle tight • Cost more for short term use • Have to bale many acres to pay off • Have to have a skid steer for the Grapalator
Cost • Hire out • .85 cents/bale using a Hay Wagon • Cost: 5000 bale x .85/ bale = $4250 • Revenue: $8/bale x 5000 bale = $40,000 • Profit: Immediately • Takes more time • Need workers
Small Square Bundles (7x3) • Cost: Bale Bandit = $50,000 New Bale Baron = $53,000 New Grappler = $5,500 New Skidsteer = $15,000 to $45,000 • Revenue: $120/bundle x 238 bundles = $40,000 Note: $300 for metal banding • Profit: 1 or 2 years, but save time and requires no help