leveling old pasture to smooth hay ground

Frank B_

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Oct 3, 2025
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My bro and I just ripped up a 20 acre field that was a crusty old cow pasture for decades, trying to prep it for hay next year.
It's mostly clay, hilly, and after discing, it was a brutal, bumpy mess. The drought didn't help, it was all dust and rocks.
We finally got it smooth enough to plant grass seed, but only after dragging literally every piece of equipment I own over it, like field cultivator, a log, a chain harrow, and a Do All. My back hurts just thinking about it.

I hate bouncing across a rough field when I'm trying to cut hay, so a smooth finish is critical.
What's the best tool or technique you guys use to level out rough, clumpy, hilly ground before seeding? There has to be an easier way! Let me know your process.

Is it a ridiculous idea to use a land plane or box blade for leveling out rolling hills versus just a chain harrow?
Any tips and advice are welcome!
 
A land plane can work wonders on that kind of ground to shave down the high spots and fill the lows way better than a chain harrow, which mostly just fluffs the surface
 
yup you should use a land plane for that kind of job, it evens things out way better than a harrow on clay
 
Next time: disc, then culti packer or land roller, seed, then light drag with chain harrow. You'll save your back and fuel, trust me
 
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