Swath or let stand flax

[newguy]

I have never combined in the spring before and I have farmed for 34 years. I have 300 acres of flax left standing . Should I swath it or let it stand.

[Zaphod]

It's been a long time since we've had this situation but we let it stand. Back then we were able to combine on frozen ground in early December with about 3-4 inches of snow on the ground. It worked out pretty well if I remember right.

If you cut it, you are guaranteed to be leaving it until spring if you're lucky.

[newguy]

What happens if it is left standing all winter??

[ry0972]

Yield lose from bolls falling of in wind. Heavy snow will lodge some areas. Swaths in low spots will usually be flooded out and lost completely so we try to get those areas or leave standing and try to get them in winter.

[Koldkanuck]

Don't jump the gun. We still have November left, and its still not a problem straight cutting flax with a few inches of snow on the ground. In fact it will be easier to push through the combine when frozen, or temperatures below -6. There is still chance that your sieves will gum up at temps around 0 or even a few degrees below if there is snow on the ground. If it snows a foot and stays, that might be a different story, but should still be able to harvest in spring with lifters if lodged.

[mbratrud]

Do your best to get it off the field, Standing it only takes a few reasonable days to get to 12 - 13% lots of facilities now drying flax... Make arrangments to have dryed and take off tough, even if it means selling. Already have seen flax loose 5 - 10% balls Flax sprayed with headline holding balls better. in the little bit of crappy weather we have had. I would avoid Swathing until winter is absolutly upon us. Like a previous poster said, November could still bail us out.