A few posts back, "deep end of the loom" (love that name!) asked me to tell a bit more about the haying process. If you want my version, read on. If you'd like to read the official wikipedia version, click here . Haying happens in three steps: cutting, raking and baling. This process takes several days, as the hay must be dry when baled. Moist hay molds and heats up and has even been known to spontaneously combust, burning down the barn. Gotta have dry hay. This first photo is of our haybine. The haybine not only cuts the hay, it also crimps each piece of long grass in several places, to allow for faster drying. We usually cut hay in the early afternoon, when the dew is gone. When we're done, long row of cut grass lie waiting. The hay is allowed to dry for two to three days, depending on wind and sun conditions. Obviously, the more wind and sun the days hold, the quicker the hay will dry. When we feel like the hay is nearly dry, we go out with the rake. There are diff
Do you have your rope tied from the house to the barn so the farmer doesn't get lost? Perfect day for lambing, right?
ReplyDeleteIt doesn't seems so bad here in the woods but it is ZERO according to the thermometer on the deck. Good day for chili in the crock pot.
Hmmm...it's a balmy 2 degrees here (not counting the wind).
ReplyDeleteNo lambs yet (please not today).
No ropes were used for the morning feeding of the animals.I'm not sure we own enough rope to reach all the way to the sheep barn...
I always feel like February has 56 days instead of 28-We get it bad enough in NW PA too. Your post gave me a good sympathetic chuckle on a nasty Winter Day. I am glad our lambs are not due for another month
ReplyDeleteGranny Miller's Husband
Are you SURE you are not just hitting "cut and paste" for your pictures??????
ReplyDeleteActually, I do believe you. I grew up out there and remember not being able to see much out the front door for hours and even days.
Are the sheep cooperating on a day like today?