Yield 522 bales

June 22 Cut Hay

June 25 Raked Hay late afternoon and evening. High temp 82

June 26 Bailed with temps expected at 87. Rain expected on Tuesday afternoon.
Used small trailer to start pickup. Approx 100 bales were brought in while I finished bailing.

June 28 All hay stored in barn before rain started.

Poor year due to heavy rain in early June then high temperatures (100+) through the end of the month. Haying started late. All machinery worked well. Was able to replace wheel on rake and roll pins on tine arm.

July 3 Cut Field
July 9 Raked
July 10 Bailed

Total 269 bales

Sunday, the 25th of October is scheduled to be the first day that temps drop below freezing.

Total bales 817
Installed new bar on Gaspardo cutter.
Replaced tire on rake, blew out again within 1st 1/2 hour of use.

Temperatures soared into the 90’s for a few days which dried the hay quickly. We did not ted this year but went from the cutting directly to raking into windrows which helped to preserve the seed and color. The hay was cut on the 16th, raked on the 18th, baled on the 19th and brought in on the 20th.  Total hay count 376

Previous hay count for 2017 was 576.

Cut Aug 3.

Late harvest this year.  Thistle going to seed.

Bailer re-adjusted for tighter, shorter bales for easier handling.

Total bales: 560

Remaining hay from Last spring purchase is about 200 bales, so starting 17/18 fall season with 750 bales.

Hay cut early June

Total bales 650

I am finding these queer little green fruits amongst the potato plants.  After searching online I have discovered that these are potato fruit containing seed which can be planted and over time produce new types of potatoes.  I have never seen these before yet this year they are very prolific.  Sounds like I better gather them all up as they are reported to be very poisonous.

According to Jo Robinson’s book, Liberty apples are even better than Granny Smith apples.  And, I  believe they grow around here.  Must find one.

Its a lovely spring day today, clouds are breaking to sunshine.  The breeze is cool and temps are in the 50’s.  While out in the yard I was suddenly surrounded by swallows.  A large mob swooped down, circling the yard and barn.  They were excitedly chirping and chasing.  What a thrill they are.