Hay is an essential part of livestock farming. Depending on where you live, growing your own hay may be more cost-effective than buying it from others. However, baling equipment can be expensive, and while you can bale hay by hand, it can be time-consuming. Dry weather is required to bale hay, and it is important to harvest it promptly as rain can ruin freshly cut grass.
Cutting and Drying Hay
Hay is typically cut early in the morning while the grass is still wet with dew. Traditional scythes have been used for many years to cut hay. When using a scythe, hold the blade with both hands and avoid moving your arms. Rotate your body from side to side using only your waist, and position the blade at a slight angle to cut cleanly through the grass.
To maintain sharpness, use a wet stone while cutting. The cutting motion will form a dense pile of grass to your left. Once the grass has been cut, it needs to be spread out to dry properly. Let the grass dry in the sun. As the top layers begin to dry, use a rake to form long rows known as windrows. This will allow the dryer grass to be flipped to the bottom and the wetter grass to the top. Flip it again later in the day to ensure all the grass dries evenly. At night, gather the hay into balls to prevent the morning dew from getting it wet again. In the morning, spread the hay back out to continue drying. Repeat flipping the hay until it is completely dry.
As the hay dries, it should form a narrow, high row. More rotations of the hay allow better air circulation and minimize bleaching from the sun. Once dry, roll up the hay for collection. Pile it onto a tarp and drag it out of the field to be baled and stacked later.
Tools You Will Need:
- Scythe
- Wet Stone
- Hay Rake
Baling Hay
Baling hay can be done easily with a cardboard box and some twine. Begin by placing two pieces of twine inside the box, resembling a Christmas ribbon, but on the inside of the box. Use scissors or a knife to cut the twine to length, ensuring it overhangs the edges so you can tie it together to hold the hay in place.
Fill the box with hay carefully, making sure not to bury the twine. Cut notches in the sides of the box to hold the twine in place. Stomp the hay into the box to compact it, but don’t overfill. The more uniform the shape, the easier it will be to stack later. Once full, tie the twine using a square knot and remove the hay from the box.
What You'll Need:
- Pitch Fork
- Cardboard Box
- Twine
- Scissors or Knife
Stacking Hay
Hay can be left in the field for cows, but it must be stored in a barn for horses to preserve its quality. Once baled, hay should be stacked in a dry barn. Do not store hay directly on the floor; use pallets as the base to keep it off the ground. Only stack bales that are secure and have intact strings. If a bale has broken strings, repair them or use the bale immediately for feed.
For smaller stacks (no more than 3 bales high), layer the bales in an alternating pattern, with the first layer cut side up and the second layer top side up. Stack the layers tightly together to improve stability and air circulation. For larger stacks, start with one bale placed widthwise on a pallet. Then, place two bales next to it lengthwise, continuing the pattern until you reach the edge of the stacking area. Alternate the widthwise and lengthwise directions as you build each layer. This method locks the bales together, allowing for better airflow and stability.
For more detailed information on stacking hay, check out these helpful resources:
