The cost of machinery for even a simple crop like hay, can be very large. For new farmers, be sure to have a good business plan and determine if you will produce enough hay to pay off your machinery investment, cover repairs, and to set aside money for machinery replacement. Two publications from the Natural Resource, Agriculture, and Engineering Service (NRAES) are not in this CD, but may be helpful. “Used Farm Equipment”, NRAES-25 ($7), and “Farm Machinery Days for Small and Part-time Farmers”, NRAES-45 ($10), are available from your CCE office or the NRAES website ($10), www.nraes.org. Also, it is vitally important that you get an owner’s manual for each piece of machinery and learn how to adjust and maintain it properly.
|
