Best Implements for Livestock Operations
4/15/2022
This one might be a no-brainer to some but it’s still worth mentioning. Tractor loaders offer so much versatility for just about any operation. It can be beneficial to your livestock operation for tasks such as transporting materials, handling bales and hay, clean-up, and compost piling.
Chances are, if you own livestock you are also producing hay for the livestock. A crucial part of getting that hay to your livestock is cutting the hay. If you are dealing with large fields of hay then you should invest in a disk mower or mower conditioner. A disc mower can give you a simple nice cut and prevent clogging, while the mower conditioner cuts the hay then runs it through a conditioning system that cracks the stalks resulting in moisture evaporation and faster drying time.
A hay tedder can be a lifesaver for Texas farmers due to the state’s humid and warm climate. Hay tedders work by lifting and separating the hay to promote better airflow which results in faster drying time and better hay quality. This helps you bale hay faster. Finding the right size tedder for your operation can depend on the size of your field, your terrain, and your spending budget. If you’re unsure, just ask one of our experts at your nearest Shoppa’s location.
You can’t have a hay tedder without a hay rake. Hay rakes allow you to pull the hay back into the proper windrows for baling. At Shoppa’s we offer a variety of rakes to best fit your operation including rotary rakes, wheel rakes and more.
One thing is for sure, dealing with livestock means dealing with manure. Take advantage of this natural occurrence by using it as fertilizer. You can do this with a manure spreader. Hook up a manure spreader compatible with your tractor and collect dry manure then spread it where fertilizer is needed. The spreader has a 2-speed gearbox that controls the speed of the paddle beaters. With the simple rope-pull system the operator can shift from low to high speed from inside the cab. The amount of coverage you get depends on the ground speed.
Once you go through all the steps to produce the best quality hay, you need something to round it all up. There are several bale implements available to gather this nutritious grass, but for livestock operations, the most cost-effective is a round baler. Select a baler that best fits the size and needs of your operation.
When you have your bales ready to go, you need something to transport them to your livestock. That is where the bale spears come in. You can choose from a front bale spear or a 3- point bale spear to attach to the back of your tractor. You can even amp up productivity by using both at the same time!
Part of raising healthy livestock includes making sure your pasture is healthy. So that means reducing any chances of unruly weeds. Sprayers can help keep weeds and crops in control by spraying chemicals such as herbicides and insecticides on your grasses.
Another task for keeping your pasture intact is cutting down overgrown weeds and grasses when they get too tall. These tall, thick, and rough grasses can negatively affect your livestock. To take control of this problem, invest in a rotary cutter to cut down these weeds, keeping your pasture and edges clean.
Now that you know the implements needed for a successful livestock operation, it’s time to get them. Don’t limit yourself to just one. With our BYO tractor package you can get a brand new tractor along with two implements of your choice for a special price. Build It. Price It. Own It.
For more tips on selecting implements for your livestock operation check out the John Deere Tips Notebook here.
