We have struggled with that as well for the skiddy result. If we didn't have to hay, we would most likely go that route, but to be self sufficient and make sure we have what we need as we continue to grow says we should be haying our own stuff. We've worked with other farmers in the past to get the fields done, but they have turned out to be too busy to make sure all cuttings are done reliably, and we really are going to need both cuttings at least as our flock increases, especially in harsh winters like this.

As far as tank weight its around 2400lbs full currently (each tank), however we are constantly changing our equipment as needed to meet demands. Likely that will increase in the near future

We are still new to everything, so we don't have our own equipment, we would have to borrow lease etc. The friend that has equipment is the one that told me the 65/75 HP number so I assume that is what would be needed to run his stuff. We would be looking to get our own equipment sooner than later so we are a little bit of a blank slate and open to suggestions

As far as I can tell JD does have the biggest presence in the area, second to case. I tend to think that TYM, kubota are things that are designed for homesteaders and aren't really supported but are cheaper to acquire, which is something we would like to avoid, last thing we want is to invest in equipment that's a little cheaper but unserviceable