The golden fields of Texas, once a symbol of agricultural abundance, have faced a harsh reality in recent years. A multi-year drought has gripped the state, leaving its mark on a vital element of the livestock industry – hay. The consequences have been far-reaching, impacting ranchers, consumers, and the very foundation of the Texas agricultural…

Texas, known for its vast landscapes and diverse agricultural practices, is a leading producer of hay in the United States. Hay production is a critical component of Texas agriculture, providing essential feed for livestock, which is a significant part of the state’s economy. This essay explores the tonnage and types of hay produced in Texas,…

Hay bales can weigh from 40 lbs to 2,000 lbs (18 kg to 907 kg).They come in two basic shapes, round and square. Round hay bales are usually quite large and weigh from 600 to 1,600 lbs (272 kg to 544 kg). Square hay bales come in two size groups, small and large. Most small square…

Ever wonder what it’s like to operate a tractor while making large round bales? This video does a pretty good job of that.

This animated video does a good job of showing all the components of a square hay baler and how they function. 1. First the pickup head  picks the hay off the ground and moves it up into the bale chamber. 2. Next the plunger moves towards the hay, first cutting off the hay that didn’t…