I have a lot of well composted manure, composted for quite awhile, is there any point or problem with spreading between first and second cut alfalfa Timothy hay? Hoping spreading will up the second/third cut yield. First cut has been a bit lighter than usual, figure the dry spring. Raining on the hay I put down yesterday though!

Thanks
Steve

Since the composted manure will not be incorporated but spread on top its usefulness for the next cut will depend on sufficient rainfall. If you are in a dry region of the country you might not benefit too much from it.

throw a lttle timothy seed on each load of manure before you spread it

Most benefits of composted manure are not realized immediately. As Klaus mentioned, maybe less so in a dry year. I wouldn't hesitate to put it on. Try to spread it a little thin, this will keep you from picking it up in your next cutting. There are a lot of good liquid foliar and soil amendments which can really make your hay take off.

After first cutting is the best time to fertilize. Normally first cut is already the weedy cut and plenty heavy to get cured and off the field in time. Alfalfa if fertilized immediately after first cut will utilize the nutrients during the 2nd cut growth, IF the fertilizer is applied before a rain.

I only get one cutting here but if I can put manure on right after I get the hay off it really helps. I think it is better than fall spreading or even spring spreading.I notice the fall grazing looks better on fields manured in the summer.I just often don't have the time!

So why not make a "manure soup" and apply it with a sprayer?

Well that's about perfect, should get the first cut finished on half the field tomorrow can spread/drag on Saturday and they are calling for about 8 days of rain in the next 2 weeks. I cut 1/2 the first cut last weekend with no rain in the forecast, poured the next night. The hay doesn't look too bad and I have cows to feed over the winter so should be fine. It was real nice looking before the rain not too coarse, hoping by the time the next cutting window opens up the other half won't be too coarse and we should have time for a good second, maybe third cut.
I had thought about making manure tea, but haven't got a sprayer as of yet.

Thanks for your help
Steve

Good Info and a nice topic Thanks