The hay season is the busiest period of the year on the small holding as the hay is vital to provide the feed for the Horses and sheep over the the year. So when there is a suitable weather window and the grass is ready it is all hands to the pump.

In the last post we had started the cutting of the hay, but were then had to stop due to a water leak on the tractor. this is the hazards that happen with hay making that there is always a mechanical problem that occurs, it is par for the course. This would normally result in a manic mechanical repair but thankfully we have had a good weather window.

While we worked to repair the leak we kept working on the hay by turning and spreading it on a daily basis, this helps to dry the hay in readiness for baling. after 3 days of turning the Hay is rowed up so that it is in a position to be baled

With repairs done it was a case of finishing the cutting and then to repeat the process of turning and spreading the hay. Again the weather was with us and we managed to get all of our fields cut turned and baled.

We have worked out that if we get 54 round bales (4 foot bales) that will get us through the next 12 months and that is what we have got, so we should be in a good position. With the bales done and the baler put away for another year it is a case of then getting the bales into the barn.

So with loader fitted back on the tractor and the bale spike the fields are cleared and the barn sorted out to maximise the space for the new hay. we have been lucky that we still have some bales left from last year so they have been moved so that they are accessible and can be used before starting on this years hay.

Its been been good summer in terms of the weather and that has meant that we have been lucky with dealing with our mechanical issue but with all of the hay in the barn it means that we are in a good place for the next 12 months.

Right with that done, when the rain coming………Those fields need to be fertilised…….