1SPRING 2014 - Makin’ Hay I

SPRING 2014

ALL IN A DAY’S WORK

Wider Swaths Lead to Better Hay & Haylage

Rake in Greater Capacity and Higher hay Quality

Moving the Pipeline Industry

Forward

Preparing for the Future

2 I Makin’ Hay - SPRING 2014

Following the Gary Vermeer legacy of searching for better ways to solve customer challenges, Vermeer commenced a major research project two years ago to better understand what customers need today. What we heard is our customers care primarily about improving the productivity and profitability of their operations. You can learn more about the project by reading the interview with President and CEO Mary Andringa, Forage and Environmental Solutions, Jason Andringa featured in this issue of Makin’ Hay.

Speaking of Jason, the third generation Vermeer family member transitioned to the role of President (effective on January 1, 2013) as part of the company’s ongoing family succession planning and leadership development. Jason is working to sustain growth and drive future investment in the beef and dairy markets, while also helping to accelerate the Vermeer momentum in the developing global biomass industry.

In an effort to increase emphasis on the biomass, beef and dairy markets, Vermeer has made some key hires. In addition, we reorganized our Sales Department in a way that allows us to better align our efforts at the local level and provide sales support throughout the dairy regions of North America. Vermeer also continues to introduce new products tailored to the needs of these markets.

In this issue of Makin’ Hay, you will read about some of the exciting things happening in the forage industry and how Vermeer is offering solutions that help farmers and ranchers overcome challenges, adding productivity to their operations. I’m sure you will find the contents of this issue to be informative and intriguing.

Joe Michaels Managing Director Forage Solutions Vermeer Corporation

36911

Rake in Greater Capacity and Higher Hay Quality .........pg 3-5

Wider Swaths Lead to Better Hay & Haylage .................pg 6-8

Moving the Pipeline Industry Forward ..........................pg 9

The Next 65 Years at Vermeer .......................................pg 10-11

3SPRING 2014 - Makin’ Hay I

It’s been said that the steel-toothed dump rake was first introduced in the 1860s. Of

course, the process back then was to rake hay into piles, which were then pitched onto a wagon for transport to a haystack or the barn loft. To make windrows for the balers that came later, the operator simply spaced the “dumps” equally so they lined up in the field.

The irony is that until they recently purchased a Vermeer VR2040 High-Capacity Wheel Rake, Butch and Matt McGinn, who own a ranch between Anselmo and Dunning, Nebraska, have been using a dump rake on approximately 3,000 acres of grass hay since the day Butch became the third generation operator.

“We did buy a smaller wheel rake about 10 years ago,” says Butch. “But, we mainly used it to go around the low, wet areas so we had room to turn around with the dump rake.

Until we traded for the VR2040 this past year, we were using both a wheel rake and a dump rake because nobody was building a wheel rake that was big enough to make a good windrow.”

“Now, the VR2040 makes a windrow big enough to work for us and lets us rake with the lay of the land,” Matt adds, noting that they are using a Vermeer 605 Super M Baler to package the crop. “That brings up another advantage of the VR2040. With the dump rake, we used to have to give the guy on the rake an hour head start so he would have a few windrows ready. Now, the minute the rake starts, the baler can start. It’s meant a big change for us. I’d never go back to the way we were doing it.”

Butch explains that even though a windrower or mower conditioner might be faster than a sicklebar mower and rake, field conditions simply don’t allow it.

“If you use a swather, the windrow never gets dry,” he says. “There’s always just

enough moisture on the bottom of a windrow that, even if you turn it, it wouldn’t be dry enough by the end of the day. And by the next morning, it’s wet on the bottom again.”

Hence, despite new equipment and technology, the McGinns have had to rely on older, tried-and-true methods. That is until the VR2040 came along,

allowing them to at least park the dump rake and replace two rakes with just one.

“That’s part of the reason we introduced the VR2040 and smaller VR1428,” says Lucas Graham, Senior Product Engineer for rakes and bale processors at Vermeer. “In some of the prairie crop areas and because of the recent droughts, it sometimes takes 40 feet of coverage to make a good windrow. So we were seeing more demand for a rake of this size.

Butch and Matt McGinn own a ranch and operate between Anselmo and Dunning, Nebraska.

Rake In Greater Capacity And Higher Hay Quality

4 I Makin’ Hay - SPRING 2014

“Of course, if the crop is heavier in a particular area, the operator can easily narrow the raking width to as little as 25 feet without changing the windrow width,” he adds, pointing out another unique feature of Vermeer rakes.

While the McGinns may use a rake just six to eight weeks out of the year, Grant Breitkreutz, who, along with his wife, Dawn, and his brother and sister-in-law, Seth and Kelly Breitkreutz, own and operate Circle B Custom Company near Redwood Falls, Minnesota. They use a Vermeer VR2040 wheel rake almost daily in the summer and fall. Even though he did not take delivery of the machine until this past August, they have already used it on 2,000 acres of irrigated grass hay and more than 2,000 acres of corn stalks that are baled with three Vermeer 605 Super M Cornstalk Special Balers and two 605 Super M Balers.

The greatest benefit from buying the VR2040, Breitkreutz says, is it has allowed them to increase productivity by an estimated 30 percent compared to a 28-foot rake from a competitive brand. However, he says it has also made it easier for them to hire and train employees, especially since they seldom have the same crew from week to

week, due to the part-time and seasonal nature of the job.

“If they can drive a tractor, they can make a bale behind this rake,” he says. “I don’t have to teach them to weave back and forth or show them how to make a bale anymore. With the adjustment built into the VR2040, we’re making a 5½ to 6-foot windrow, so all they have to do is stay centered over that windrow and they’ll kick out a perfect bale every time.”

Breitkreutz notes that the wider raking width also allows the rake operator to slow down and make a better windrow – although he has had it up to 14 miles per hour to keep ahead of 3 balers in a corn field. While most of the corn stalks are custom baled

as bedding, they have several customers who want to use them as feed. That’s when he most appreciates the hydraulic suspension and independent wheel flotation.

“For those customers, we’ll set the down pressure at 950 to 1,000 pounds so it just skims the stubble,” he says. “That lets us pick up the majority of the residue without getting any dirt or debris in the bales,” he adds, noting that it even leaves the root balls behind. “We

actually put up separate bales for those clients and they tell us they just love them.”

The VR2040 has also proven beneficial on the grass hay that Circle B mows and bales up to three times a year. The land actually belongs to the

Southern Minnesota Beet Sugar Co-op and is used as a disposal site for wastewater from beet processing.

“Not only is there a lot of hay per cutting, but we have a small window of time to get it cut and baled so they can get the water back on it,” he relates. “Since we bought the VR2040 and a Vermeer TE330 Tedder, we’re getting hay put up a lot faster than we were a year ago, which is making the plant a lot happier too. If the

guy on the rake can get a head start, he can stay ahead of three balers.”

Breitkreutz says five inches of water, which contains a two percent sugar solution, applied every week makes for a thick, lush crop. That means

MAXIMUM RAKING WIDTHS:

VR1428 28' (8.5 m)

VR2040 40' (12.2 m)

Grant Breitkreutz, who, along with his wife, Dawn, and his brother and sister-in-law, Seth and Kelly Breitkreutz, own and operate Circle B Custom Company near Redwood Falls, Minnesota.

5SPRING 2014 - Makin’ Hay I

“The role of the hay rake will never go away,” insists Mike Kindley. “We’ve seen rakes evolve into different styles with new advanced features, but there’s always going to be a place for rakes in quality forage production.”

As technical service support specialist for Vermeer, Kindley has seen plenty of examples. While some producers continue to mow hay without a conditioner and use a rake to form a windrow, he says others use a rake for other cost– or quality-saving purposes.

“It all depends on the climate, drying conditions, baler capacity, etc.,” he says.

“However, the role of a rake these days primarily revolves around moisture control and/or baler capacity, which involves pulling two or more windrows together so a high-capacity baler can make fewer trips over the field. With proper adjustment of the raking width and windrow width, you can produce a windrow that perfectly fits the bale chamber,” he adds.

While Vermeer and its competitors offer a number of different rake styles and models, Kindley notes that, in general, basket rakes, like the Vermeer R Series Rakes, and rotary rakes are best for high-volume crops like irrigated alfalfa and haylage. That is especially true of dairy quality alfalfa, since the rake baskets are powered, either by the PTO or hydraulic motors, and do not require contact with the ground or stubble. Hence, there’s less chance of getting rocks, dirt or ash in the crop and a reduced chance of broken teeth.

Wheel rakes, on the other hand, are ideal for grass hay, thinner crops and corn stover. However, when properly adjusted, they can

they have to ted it a minimum of two times before raking it ahead of the balers. This past summer, following some untimely rains, they had to ted one portion of the field five times before it could be baled. Still, he has nothing but praise for his Vermeer equipment.

“It would be a challenge to find a tedder that has as many miles on it as the TE330, especially on ground that’s as rough as some of this is,” he says. “In fact, the last time we had both the Vermeer VR2040 and our old wheel rake in the same field, the tool bar on both of them was just ‘hammerin’ up and down. Yet, the wheels on the VR2040 were just floating over the contours, while the wheels on the old one were just bouncing all over the place.

“The other thing is we’ve already covered about 2,000 acres of grass hay and at least 2,000 acres of corn stalks since we got it,” he continues. “Yet, we haven’t replaced a single tooth on it.”

“Having a high-capacity rake of this size and durability has definitely saved us money and made us a lot more productive,” he concludes. “We’re already looking at trading for another one next year.”

also be very gentle on legumes, since the wheels and teeth move slower than they do with other rake designs. Vermeer models range from the simple, value-priced Rebel RB20 Rake, on which the wheels float in pairs, to the VR820, VR1022 and VR1224 Carted Wheel Rakes, which allows one-pin adjustment of wheel down-pressure.

Kindley is perhaps most impressed, though, with the VR1428/VR2040 High-Capacity Wheel Rakes, which he sees as being a good compromise between the two types.

“For one thing, these models provide a wide range of raking widths for light crops and heavy crops alike,” he says.

“However, the best feature is the hydraulic suspension and the independent flotation on each wheel. Thanks to the precise control, the operator can actually adjust the suspension pressure to the point where the wheels will leave any dirt and ash behind. The rake can even be set to leave a desired portion of residue in a corn field, while the remainder is raked into a windrow,” he adds. “Plus, with a range of motion of over eight feet and a suspension cylinder on each wheel, backed by a nitrogen-charged accumulator, the VR1428 and VR2040 provide far more flexibility than a basket rake in uneven terrain.”

No matter the rake type, though, Kindley insists the moisture level at raking is the most important factor. That is why he also recommends the use of the center splitter attachment, which is optional on all models. By lifting and turning the center of the swath, the entire crop is mixed and the full windrow is allowed to dry evenly.

There Will Always Be A Place For Rakes

6 I Makin’ Hay - SPRING 2014

Wider Swaths Lead to Better Hay & Haylage

7SPRING 2014 - Makin’ Hay I

The idea is pretty simple. Instead of putting freshly cut forage immediately

into windrows for ease of handling, why not leave it in much wider swaths and let Mother Nature (air and sunlight) speed up dry down through the increased exposure.

This management practice was not very common until a series of independent research studies conducted by Cornell University and University of Wisconsin Ag Extension Centers. Both uncovered some very impressive results. And, many growers have now embraced this system to harvest their high-moisture forage; cutting in the morning, harvesting six-to-seven hours later and ensiling before sundown.

Changes and results in forage production have been significant. Shorter wilting periods. Lower respiration losses. Higher sugar/starch content (especially first-cut forages). Better quality forage. More digestible energy. Improved fermentation. And, of course, less chance of rain damage. And, for dairy farmers? Incremental improvements in milk production have been huge

– with increases reported in the neighborhood of 300 lbs. in milk production (per ton of haylage fed).

“Actually, we used to cut hay into wide swaths years ago before conditioners,” says Dan Undersander, a renowned research forage agronomist at University of Wisconsin Extension Services. “But, when mowers and conditioners got bigger, the swaths and windrows we formed –percentage-wise – became relatively smaller and more dense.”

“Today, as we pay more attention to the biology and physics of properly drying forage, we’re seeing how rapidly lowering moisture levels (by about 15 percent) reduces the loss of starches and sugars and preserves more total digestible nutrients (TDN). And, the single most important factor behind this improvement is the wider swath. We’re also seeing where conditioners have little impact at this initial drying stage, because most of the early moisture loss happens from the leaf. As a result,

we’re doing a much better job of maximizing quality and TDN in our harvested forages.”

What about the advantages of conditioning?

“Our haylage customers are seeing the same thing,” says Josh Vrieze, Dairy Product Manager at Vermeer. “Wider swaths definitely speed up dry down, which even allows them to forego conditioning.”

“In fact, studies show conditioning can actually slow down wilting speed at higher

Dan Undersander, Forage Agronomist at University of Wisconsin-Extension Services.

Post-ensiling composition of alfalfa haylage made from narrow and wide swath (8 trials; UW Arlington & Marshfield; 2005-2007).

Factor Wide Swath

Narrow Swath

Wide Swath vs. Narrow Swath

Results

Hours to Dry to 65% Moisture 19.5 29.7 -10.2

Crude Protein, 5 19.3 18.7 0.6

NDF, % 39.7 40.9 -1.2

NFC, % 29.9 28.2 1.7

Ash, % 10.1 9.7 -0.4

Lactic Acid, % 4.1 3.5 0.8

Acetic Acid, % 1.7 1.9 -0.2

NDF= Neutral Detergent Fiber; NFC = Non-fiber Carbohydrate

Representative of drying curves for narrow and wide swath widths.

Perc

ent m

oist

ure

Hours after cutting

wide swathnarrow swath

0 5 8 24 29 32 48 53 56

90

80

70

60

50

40

30

20

10

haylage moisture levels. So, if you’re harvesting high moisture forage, this popular practice is definitely worth consideration.”

What about dry hay?

“Obviously, if you’re harvesting dry hay, conditioning is crucial because dry down needs to continue to a 15 to 20 percent moisture level. Strategies for wilting silage are very different compared to dry hay production. Here, conditioning the stems is extremely important. However, the practice of forming wider swaths, (at a higher percent relative to the cutting width) has advantages when harvesting both high-moisture or dry hay.”

“If you’re purchasing a new mower or mower conditioner, the width of your swath, relative to the cutting width, becomes a very important factor. Most mower-conditioners (especially those wider than

9 feet) aren’t able to adjust to an 80 to 90 percent width swath. So, pay attention. Swath width percentages can range anywhere from 28 to 87 percent. The wider, the better

– preferably, you want it to be in that 70+ percentile,” Vrieze added.

When grasses are cut they should generally be formed in wide swaths, especially if no stems are present. Otherwise, the forage will settle together, dry very slowly and be difficult to separate for faster drying.

To maximize results, Undersander suggests raking when haylage is around 70 percent moisture. Also, keep in mind, this system needs to be planned out. You do not want to cut more acres than you can harvest before the higher moisture forage gets too dry for ensiling, in case of unfavorable weather conditions.

To minimize leaf loss in dry hay alfalfa, he recommends raking

Effect of wide vs. narrow swaths on forage quality of first cut fresh and fermented alfalfa. (Cornell)

NEL Milk/Ton

Narrow Fresh Cut 0.58 2652

Wide Fresh Cut 0.58 2731

Narrow Wilted 0.51 --

Wide Wilted 0.60 --

Narrow Fermented -- 2279

Wide Fermented -- 2574

The fermented first cut alfalfa from the wide swath system also had a significantly higher ratio of lactic acid to acidic acid (3.1 vs. 1.5) and less ammonium-N as a per-centage of total N (10.96 vs. 19.79).

or merging the swaths when moisture levels are above 40 percent (above 25 percent in grasses). Generally, raking about 24 hours after mowing, is a good practice when making hay. Raking boosts the drying rate again – on the day the hay is raked – as the unexposed material is turned. But after that, the drying rate slows considerably, and is impacted more by sunlight and humidity.

Concerned about driving over wide swaths?

Cornell research indicates that, in wide swath situations, driving over cut swaths with the tractor does not significantly affect drying. However, it could lead to soil contamination and adversely affects fermentation, particularly in wet field conditions. Driving over a wide swath is less damaging than making a windrow to avoid driving on the hay.

I Makin’ Hay - SPRING 20148

Summary:

1 Cut in the morning and put cut forage into a wide swath (covering at least 70 percent of the cut area).

2 For Haylage: if drying conditions are good, rake multiple swaths into a windrow just before chopping (at around 70 percent moisture, around 5 to 7 hours later).

3 For Dry Hay: if drying conditions are good, merge or rake multiple swaths into a windrow the next morning after mowing (when forage is above 40 percent moisture) to avoid leaf loss.

4 Before purchasing wide swath haylage equipment, evaluate your equipment compatibility.

9SPRING 2014 - Makin’ Hay I

reserves, the scope of work changes, so contractors require a drill like the D220x300 that can help bridge the gap,” said Jon Heinen, Vermeer pipeline business segment manager. “With the shale play, the industry is changing and contractors need equipment that can help fulfill these changing specifications.”

Before operators even begin laying pipeline, land-clearing crews must first come through to clear a right-of-way where the pipeline will travel through. When clearing densely wooded areas,

The United States has been in earnest pursuit of energy independence

for decades, but with limited access to domestic natural resources, that goal has always remained firmly out of reach. The recent advent of hydraulic fracturing – or

“fracking” – has bolstered domestic production of oil and gas, leading experts to believe energy independence is now a very attainable goal.

Advances in the fracking process and technology have created a new sector of the energy industry. Pipelines are now sprouting across

Vermeer recycling equipment like tub and horizontal grinders provide the capacity and performance needed for high-volume land clearing and wood recycling operations.

New reserves continue to be unearthed across the country, inspiring confidence that the United States will someday achieve its goal of energy independence. When it happens, Vermeer pipeline and recycling equipment will be on site to help bring the energy that fuels our world to a place near you.

the United States, carrying gas and oil from reserves in states like Colorado, Kansas, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Texas, Ohio and Pennsylvania. Installing these pipelines requires versatile horizontal directional drills like the new Vermeer D220x300, which is quickly gaining favor among pipeline contractors because it offers the best power-to-footprint ratio in the industry, allowing them to maximize productivity with minimal disturbance to the surrounding terrain.

“During the exploration of unconventional natural gas

Moving the Pipeline Industry Forward

Prepping the Vermeer D220x300 for drilling.

Prototype Shown

D330x500 Horizontal Directional Drill and R9x12T Reclaiming System on the jobsite.

10 I Makin’ Hay - SPRING 2014

Gary Vermeer’s philosophy for success was simple: Find a

need. Fill that need with a product built to last. And simply build the best! That’s why, for more than 65 years, Vermeer has provided agricultural and industrial equipment that’s built tough, built to perform and backed by caring customer service. To continue this legacy – for the next 65 years and beyond

– Vermeer embarked on an intensive research campaign to hear from its customers and prospective customers. Makin’ Hay recently sat down with President and CEO, Mary Andringa and President,

The Next 65 Years at Vermeer

Mary AndringaPresident and CEO

Jason Andringa President, Forage and

Environmental Solutions

Forage & Environmental Solutions, Jason Andringa to discuss the project.

MH: What prompted the research project?

Mary Andringa: With Vermeer growing and partnering with dealers and customers all over the globe, our ability to provide the equipment and service they need depends on how well we understand their business. This research project was really about giving our customers from all segments – forage, specialty excavation, underground and environmental – an

opportunity to open up and tell us all about their businesses.

MH: What helpful things did you learn?

Jason Andringa: We obviously learned a great deal about the unique challenges, goals and opportunities of our customers from the various segments and different parts of the world. What emerged as a universal theme was how the majority of operators share two common aspirations: the desire to be more productive and more profitable.

MH: So is that what inspired the new Vermeer tagline – Equipped To Do More.™?

Jason Andringa: Yes. What we heard from our customers is that they care first and foremost about productivity and profitability. These are areas where Vermeer equipment and our dedicated dealer network can really make an impact, and do more to help their businesses. This is where we will be focusing our energy moving forward.

MH: What can customers expect from this vision moving forward?

Mary Andringa: We will strive to always give our customers a productivity advantage, continuously improving in practical ways to help make our customers’ operations more efficient. Together, with our independent dealers, make sure customers have confidence through exceptional customer service. And, we know that our customers want to be respected for their work in nourishing a vibrant food supply, keeping people connected and efficiently managing natural resources. Understanding this and our customers businesses will move us toward progress. These are the keys to help customers achieve more productivity and profitiabilty.

1Fall 2013 - Makin’ Hay I

FALL 2013

ALL IN A DAY’S WORK

The Biggest Machine of AlL

A NEW AGE OF mower

conditioners

THE FUTURE OF FEEDER CATTLE

GET PREPPED FOR THE FALL SEASON

1Fall 2013 - Makin’ Hay I

FALL 2013

ALL IN A DAY’S WORK

The Biggest Machine of AlL

A NEW AGE OF mower

conditioners

THE FUTURE OF FEEDER CATTLE

GET PREPPED FOR THE FALL SEASON

PLEASE SEND MAKIN’ HAY MY WAY!Sign up for your FREE subscription or refer a friend and get rollin’!vermeer.com/makinhay

Vermeer, the Vermeer logo, Navigator, and the Equipped to Do More are trademarks of Vermeer Manufacturing Company in the U.S. and/or other countries. © 2014 Vermeer Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

11SPRING 2014 - Makin’ Hay I

The Next 65 Years at VermeerMH: What’s the power of the new Vermeer tagline – Equipped To Do More.™?

Mary Andringa: As we work with our customers, our primary goal will always be to equip them to do more. The power of the new tagline is how it quickly reminds our customers, prospective customers, and all of our team members what Vermeer is all about. As we say at Vermeer, when you have the drive to get more out of every hour, need the confidence to build your bottom line and want to find a better way to move your business and the world forward, look to Vermeer and you will be Equipped to Do More.

EQUIPPEDTODOMORE.comPeople all around the world are EQUIPPED TO DO MORE with Vermeer. Learn their stories by visiting

Vermeer, the Vermeer logo and Equipped to Do More are trademarks of Vermeer Manufacturing Company in the U.S. and/or other countries. © 2014 Vermeer Corporation. All Rights Reserved. EQUIPPEDTODOMORE.com