Transcript Precision AG in Hay Production

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
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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
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Increase productivity
Reduce fuel cost
Reduce labor cost
Software Equipment
Hardware Equipment
RFID
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Radio Frequency Identification Device
 Date
 Time
 Moisture content
 Weight

Producer uses hand-held scanners to to read
tags that are attached the bale
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Trimble started in 2010 with ThingMagic
Suppliers
 AGCO
 New Holland
 Case IH
Small Square Balers
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Bale Baron
 Bale Bandit
http://youtu.be/RSR8iHr
r3TU
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/elYZsOfoH4
Problems
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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
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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
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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
Questions?