Making Hay while the sun shines

Making hay at the top of Swaledale at Pry House Farm

Hay time is an important and anxious time for farmers.  It is absolutely imperative that we get our hay and silage made so that there is plenty fodder to see us through the hungry winter months.   Its an anxious time because hay making is  weather dependant.  To make good hay requires a minimum of 5 consecutive dry, warm (preferably hot) sunny days.  Doesn’t sound like we are asking for a lot but believe me,  mother nature has a habit of keeping us waiting!  The large round bales of silage can be cut, strowed out, rowed up, baled and wrapped in one day if the weather is against us but a couple of days drying in the sun is better.

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