Top Lessons Learned in 25 Years of Baling

Top Lessons Learned in 25 Years of Baling

You don’t get to 25 years of farming without a few scars, a few late-night breakdowns, and a whole lot of lessons you only need to learn once. We’ve made just about every mistake in the book, but those mistakes shaped the way we farm today. Here are some of the big ones.

1. Weather Always Wins

You can schedule, plan, and pace all you want, but if the clouds roll in, you adapt. The sooner you stop fighting Mother Nature, the sooner you’ll keep your sanity (and your hay quality).

2. A Half Tank is a Lie

It’s never just enough to finish the job. Run out of fuel once in the middle of baling season and you’ll never let it happen again.

3. Don’t Cheap Out on Twine

We tried the bargain-bin stuff once. Knotters slipped, bales fell apart, tempers flared. Back to 190 lb knot strength and we’ve never looked back

4. Hook It Up Right. Every. Single. Time.

If you think “good enough” while hitching equipment, you’ll pay for it later. Saves more than just a busted pin; it saves your machines and sometimes your hide.

5. Not Every Bale Needs Saving

Don’t risk your gear, your health, or your schedule chasing that last wisp of hay by the tree line or power pole. Some plants are meant to stay in the field.

6. Look Behind You

Whether you’re round baling, square baling, or just driving down the road, turn around often. You’d be surprised what you catch (before it becomes a disaster).

7. People Matter as Much as Equipment

Machines can’t run themselves. The best baling system in the world still needs sharp, rested, reliable people to keep it moving. Invest in your crew, it always pays back.

Why Share the Mistakes?

Because farming isn’t about looking perfect—it’s about adapting, surviving, and keeping the bales rolling. If our mistakes can save another farmer a breakdown, a busted bale, or a late-night cuss fest in the shop, then we’ve done our part.