No matter what type of crops you need to tackle, Vermeer yellow iron will get the job done right. That includes the latest addition to the hay tools lineup – the Vermeer MC90, MC105, MC120 and MC150 mower conditioners .

These machines were thoughtfully redesigned for hay and forage producers who want to put up high quality hay in less time. If you’re unfamiliar with a mower conditioner or not sure if you could benefit from using one, rest assured — the hay and forage experts from Vermeer have answered some commonly asked questions to help with that decision.

What does a mower conditioner do?

A mower conditioner crimps the crop it is being used on. With a mower conditioner, you can crimp the hay or forage to help speed up dry down time – especially in long or stemmy crops.

On Vermeer mower conditioners, you can select a rubber or steel roller to crimp your crop . The key distinction between using a rubber or steel roller on a mower conditioner is the type of crop you will be working with. A leafy, finer-stemmed crop like legumes are better suited for rubber rollers. Whereas a more sturdy-stemmed crop like grasses or cane are ideal for steel rollers.

A steel roller will crimp the crop more aggressively and break more of the stem. Steel rollers are designed to be more aggressive to break tougher crops easier. An added benefit of steel rollers is that they will generally last longer than rubber rollers.

A rubber roller will crimp the crop more gently. By being crimped less aggressively, the leaf retention of the crop will be maximized.

“For dairy producers or farmers and ranchers who retain their hay and are less worried about dry down and more focused on maintaining the nutrition value of the hay, a rubber roller will likely work well for your operation. Of course, the roller you choose will still be dependent on the crop type, but the protein value and nutrition retention is important to consider as well ” Ed Henning, of Vermeer Forage Solutions explained.

Do I need a mower conditioner?

Knowing if your farm or ranch will benefit from a mower conditioner depends on a few things.

“You want to consider what crops you’re growing,” Henning said. “For thinner grass hay, conditioners are typically used less. The biggest impact of mower conditioners are seen more with thicker, stemmier crops. If you are typically working with crops that take longer to dry down than you would like, a mower conditioner can help speed that process up.”

Next, consider where you live. Henning added: “If you live in a relatively dry area that doesn’t get a ton of rain, you may not need a mower conditioner. Now if you find yourself fighting humidity — like in the Midwest, for example — and impending rain most hay seasons, it may be more efficient to have better control of the dry down time of your crops.”

What does conditioning do to hay?

When the forage is getting crimped by the mower conditioner, is it essentially breaking or splitting the crop stem. By breaking the crop stem more air can get to more areas of the crop and dry the hay quicker. For farmers and ranchers who work in humid climates, speeding up dry down time is essential to getting the crop at the ideal moisture level.

How much faster does a conditioner dry hay?

The rate of dry down for hay and forage depends on many factors:

• Wind
• Weather
• Humidity
• Dew point
• Crop type

The purpose of a mower conditioner is to have your forage dried faster than it would have without using a mower conditioner. There are studies out there that aim to answer this question — but remember, outcomes are extremely dependent on the conditions listed above. If you find yourself trying to beat the incoming rain or achieving a specific moisture level when you need to get your hay baled, a mower conditioner could be beneficial.

From cutting hay to feeding it, there’s a Vermeer hay tool to get the job done. Designed for hay producers working with a variety of crop types, Vermeer mower conditioners deliver durability and quality you expect and built by hay and forage experts.

With a complete lineup of tools and a trusted local dealer network offering parts and service, Vermeer products have everything you need. To learn more about how a mower conditioner could improve your operations, get in touch with your local Vermeer dealer .

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