The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Smallholding => Techniques and skills => Topic started by: OhLaLa on April 02, 2013, 07:34:09 pm
-
I need to find some websites that explain the haymaking process - i.e. cutting, turning, how to tell the grass is ready for baling etc.
Have searched the internet but not found anything relevant, can anyone point us in the right direction?
-
Ah well. That'll be a no then.
-
Some nice pics - http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=27176&disable_pagination=1 (http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=27176&disable_pagination=1) not found a neat website but from my meagre 2 years, it seems a bit of an art and a lot of luck! The main thing is spotting a good hot 4+ day weather window when your grass has flowered but not droped its seed.. after that its been .... cut and leave a day, then turn around midday (after any morning dew has gone) for around 3 days, then row up late morning the next day and bale after dinner (lunch). Ready to bale when dry feeling but still got a light green colour to it. Thats what I have gleaned - hope more knowledgeable ones will add/correct. My neighbour does mine with me and he has been doing it a LONG time and it has turned out well so far (though last year was VERY late and touch and go - had some light rain on a few of the turning days, but it was still fine.
-
You've put the wrong link fib. Back packing lights not required.
-
sorry - dont know how that happened!!! Here is proper link!!http://scythecymru.wordpress.com/hand-hay-making/
-
Will you be making the hay by hand with scythe etc or do you want info on making it using machinery (eg small bales)?
-
Got all the kit (been haymaking ourselves for years), need 'teaching/tutorial' websites but can't find anything.
:farmer: