Dumb question...how do I get a lime truck out?

[dungrulla]

My pasture is full of weeds. We turned out on it while it was wet. Yeah, I know I’m an idiot. We put up more pasture on what used to be the back lawn and have a sacrifice area for the winter now, so this hopefully doesn’t happen again, but we need to do some rehab. We’re going today to the extension to have both plots (new and old) soil tested. I will be spraying 2,4d in the next couple days.

We then plan to in September disk the hell out of the back less-productive pastures, spread the required amount of lime and fertilizer, and leave the horses off them for 6 months. We’ll seed this fall with a grass mix and in the spring we will frost seed some legumes–type to be determined since that pasture has a tendency to stay pretty damp until summer hits.

One question…how the hell do I get someone with a lime truck to come out? I’ve googled what feels like a lot of different things and can’t figure out what I need to google to find someone with a lime truck to come put lime on my pastures. I really would not like to have to spread several tons of lime manually if I can avoid it!

Someday I won’t be a farm newb but for now help please!

[4LeafCloverFarm]

What part of the country are you in? Here in Middle TN, our Co-Op offers that service (well, at least it did). Check with your extension office - they should know.

[Simkie]

The quarry where you buy lime would be a good place to call. They’ll either do it or know someone who does.

[cutter99]

Many feed stores or agricultural co-ops offer lime and fertilizer spreading. If you are at the extension office today, ask them to give you some recommendations.

[Guilherme]

First step in getting a lime truck is to do a soil sample and determine that the soil needs lime! Good on you for doing that!

Then determine if the soil needs fertilizer. Got that one, too.

Good call on the 2,4,D as well.

If the sample says you need lime then start with your local co-op. If they don’t have a service they will be able to refer to people who do. If your co-op is for “urban cowboys” in fancy boots and F150s then try a co-op in a nearby county where there are real farmers. Your local extension agent might also help.

Good luck as you go forward.

G.

[deltawave]

We use a local agricultural co-op, local Farm Bureau or County Extension can help you too. Usually the same place that does the soil testing.

[trubandloki]

This is a good question for the helpful people at the extension. I am sure they can give you the name(s) of anyone in your area who will do this.

[dungrulla]

Thanks guys! We actually have to go tomorrow because I can’t find my soil test press-in thingy and also the extension is only open until 4. We’ll ask then.

For 2,4D I’ll be using a backpack sprayer. Do I need tyvek or will regular long pants and sleeves suffice?

[Guilherme]

@dungrulla

Thanks guys! We actually have to go tomorrow because I can’t find my soil test press-in thingy and also the extension is only open until 4. We’ll ask then.

For 2,4D I’ll be using a backpack sprayer. Do I need tyvek or will regular long pants and sleeves suffice?

No tyvek required. But when you’re done you IMMEDIATELY strip out and shower. If you get drenched (and it sometimes happens) then irrigate the drenched area copiously, then strip out and shower. If you have some safety goggles they are a Good Thing (ask me how I know ). Wear a hat.

G.

[dungrulla]

Well my dinky tank sprayer got about a quarter of the place done and since it was 1 billion degrees out I left the rest for a slightly less intolerable afternoon. My new paddocks are all in and horses are happily trimming the back lawn so I have time.

I used to think when I was like 21, new to horses, and stupid that everyone on this website was just a meanie but now that I’m older and not quite so stupid (we are getting there) I’m like “wait I bet someone on coth knows how to fix this”.

Thanks guys!

[DMK]

if you have an ATV or UTV, just go ahead and bite the bullet for a sprayer that hooks up to the battery and has a back + handheld sprayer, it will make your life so much easier!

I use mine for pasture pro (I like that better than 2-4,D), Hay Maker liquid fertilizer, round up (fence lines and the arena). I just picked up the smallest (cheapest) one Northern Tool had, 15 gallons and we manage fine (although I bought a nicer hand held sprayer to replace the existing one).

If you have a southern States co-op nearby they will have info on who can seed, fertilizer, lime, etc.

[dungrulla]

@DMK

if you have an ATV or UTV, just go ahead and bite the bullet for a sprayer that hooks up to the battery and has a back + handheld sprayer, it will make your life so much easier!

I use mine for pasture pro (I like that better than 2-4,D), Hay Maker liquid fertilizer, round up (fence lines and the arena). I just picked up the smallest (cheapest) one Northern Tool had, 15 gallons and we manage fine (although I bought a nicer hand held sprayer to replace the existing one).

If you have a southern States co-op nearby they will have info on who can seed, fertilizer, lime, etc.

Pasture pro is 2,4d I got the weed and feed. I’m going out to get a sprayer that attaches to my tractor because I am super done hand spraying in this weather.

[DMK]

it is, but it is not the exactly the same as Amine 400. Pasture Pro is listed as “2,4-D mixed-amine herbicide formulation” amd Amine 400 (plain old 2,4D) is listed as “2,4-D herbicide formulation”

I have zero idea what that actually means, but I can tell you Pasture Pro does a far better job than Amine 400 in my pastures!

[Mosey_2003]

Co-Ops will typically spread lime. The quarry secretary or scale clerk should be able to give you some leads. Also, if you’re Googling, try using aglime instead of lime. Can also Google terms like “custom spread and spray” and that should give you private outfits that do it as well. I would try to contact some places now, because if you wait until prime lime season, you’re probably gonna regret it. Easier to get put on the list for, say, a week or two ahead of season hitting than trying to call in the middle when everyone’s in the middle of jobs.

[Bombproof]

@Guilherme

If your co-op is for “urban cowboys” in fancy boots and F150s then try a co-op in a nearby county where there are real farmers.

G.

You just made coffee come out my nose! You owe me a keyboard. :lol:

[Guilherme]

@Bombproof

You just made coffee come out my nose! You owe me a keyboard. :lol:

Then my work is done here!!!

G.

P.S. I’d rather owe you a keyboard than cheat you out of it!

[Goforward]

We stopped in at our local fertilizer dealer, Mayo, and they gave us the number of an independent contractor who owns a spreader truck.
Mayo and the truck driver showed up at the same time and had our property limed in a little over an hour. It was really easy.