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 a shearing date planned yet? I'm not on Facebook so want to make sure I dont miss it.
ReplyDeleteWe do have a date! I have not posted more details yet, but when I do, they will be easily accessible under the "events" tab at the top of the main page of the blog. (I know, it blends in well, with all the other busyness.)
DeleteIn a nutshell, it is a come-and-go sort of thing, and we'll be open from 9-3 on March 2 (a Saturday). You will want to dress warmly, and in old clothes. You will smell like a barn when you leave, so keep that in mind. More details to come, I promise. =)