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/RSR8iHrr3TUhttp://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 Twine25.00 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.

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

W. R. Long Grapalator

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 $45,000Revenue: $120/bundle x 238 bundles = $40,000

Note: $300 for metal bandingProfit: 1 or 2 years, but save time and requires no

help

Questions?