Raising the Bar in Forage Harvesting: Why We Invested in a Kuhn Merge Maxx MM 890

At Ballek Farms, we're always looking for ways to deliver better hay - more nutritious, cleaner, and more efficiently harvested. Last year, we took a step forward with the addition of the Kuhn Merge Maxx MM 890 hay merger to our equipment lineup.

It’s a game-changer for forage quality and field efficiency. Here’s why.

Why a Merger, Not a Rake?

Traditional wheel or bar rakes have been standard in haymaking for decades, but they come with drawbacks, especially when it comes to alfalfa quality:

• Leaf Loss = Protein Loss: Alfalfa leaves are where the protein lives. Aggressive raking causes shatter, knocking valuable leaf matter to the ground.

• More Dirt, Less Digestibility: Wheel rakes drag across the ground, increasing ash content.

• Uneven Windrows: Inconsistent rows slow down balers and lead to variable drying times.

By contrast, the MM 890 uses gentle, low-profile pickup heads and cross-conveyor belts, significantly reducing leaf loss. Field data shows 3–5% more crude protein is retained versus traditional raking methods.

The Numbers Don’t Lie

Take a look at our 2024 second cut alfalfa:

• Crude Protein: Up to 23.9% DM, supported by minimal leaf loss thanks to gentle merging.

• Relative Feed Value: Reaching 135–172, making it ideal for high-performing dairies.

• Low Ash & Consistent Moisture: Clean, evenly dried forage that stores well and keeps your TMR predictable.

More Than Just Better Hay

The MM 890 doesn’t just make better feed - it makes better sense on the business end too:

• Fewer Passes = Less Fuel: Its wide pickup width reduces trips across the field.

• Less Soil Compaction: Light-touch operation helps preserve soil structure and root health.

Setting the Standard in Saskatchewan

We’re proud to be running a Kuhn MM 890. That means we’ve done the testing and have seen the returns in quality.

If you're buying hay, this matters. Our upgraded harvest process means:

• Higher protein content and digestibility

• Lower ash levels

• Consistent, premium windrows every time

Want Better Hay? We've Got It.

Whether you're feeding a high-production dairy herd or building an export shipment, the quality of forage matters. Our investment in merging technology ensures that Ballek Farms’ hay delivers the value, nutrition, and consistency modern operations demand.

Call us today to lock in your alfalfa orders or come take a look at the MM 890 in action.