Why Farmers Use Tedders
Farmers use tedders to improve drying conditions before baling. When cut hay sits in thick rows or uneven patches, the top may dry while the bottom remains damp. A tedder helps spread and fluff the crop so air can move through the forage more effectively.
Common uses include:
- Spreading cut hay after mowing
- Helping hay dry more evenly
- Reducing wet spots in heavier forage
- Improving airflow through the crop
- Preparing hay before raking
- Supporting better bale quality
- Managing short weather windows
Types of Tedders Available
Two-rotor tedders are a good fit for smaller farms, acreages, and producers with lower acreage or narrower fields. They are simple, practical, and easy to operate.
Four-rotor tedders are better suited for larger hay operations that need more field coverage. They allow producers to cover more acres efficiently and are a common choice for farms that make hay regularly.
Mounted tedders are compact and easy to move, making them useful for smaller tractors and farms with limited storage space.
Trailed tedders are often preferred for larger working widths and heavier hay operations where stability and field coverage matter.
Where Tedders Are Used in Saskatchewan
Tedders are used throughout Saskatchewan in hay fields, forage operations, ranches, and mixed farms. They are especially useful where hay needs to dry faster or more evenly before baling. For cattle producers, a tedder can be part of a practical haying setup alongside a mower, rake, and baler.
A tedder is not required for every hay operation, especially in very dry conditions, but it becomes valuable when hay is heavy, drying is uneven, or weather pressure is high. For producers trying to protect feed quality and reduce the risk of baling hay too wet, a tedder can be a worthwhile piece of hay equipment.
Choosing the Right Tedder
The right tedder depends on field size, hay volume, tractor size, working width, and how often the machine will be used. Smaller farms may choose a two-rotor tedder for basic hay work, while larger producers often prefer four-rotor models for better field efficiency. The goal is to match the tedder to the hay operation, available tractor, and drying conditions.
Agri-Can Supply works with dealers across Western Canada to supply tedders for Saskatchewan hay farms, ranches, mixed farms, and livestock operations.
