It has officially began on Caldwell Farms. I’m going to miss seeing those waves of grain in the field while sitting on the front porch every evening.
The orchard grass is over the backs of the whitetail deer.
The first field cut, raked and baled this year is out behind the barn that’s closest to the house.
This fields total yield last year was 191 and we’re anxious to see how it does this year.
Kubota tractor and rake have completed their work in this field for today.
The spring rains brought us a heavy crop of orchard grass.
The 4×5 baler is hard at work as is the driver of the tractor that’s pulling that baler.
The previous pictures are of the first field which was completed on Friday and Mr. Caldwell has moved on to three smaller meadows today. He probably won’t put anymore hay down until the weekend because it’s calling for heavy rain on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. The grass is so heavy that it has to have at least two drying days before it can be baled. Wet grass means moldy hay which means sick cows that eat it and bad milk for the calves that nurse their mothers.
Meadow beside the mansion is small but produces big.
Meadow at the stable is the smallest and worst of the hay. We’ve already decided it’s needs a load of chicken litter. The litter has already proven itself on the other hayfields and pasture.
The only issue had this season is the poor quality sisal baling twine.
He’s making quick work of this field.
These ladies will be fed in the coming winter!
Gorgeous photos .. I can nearly smell it from here! Looks like a great harvest 😃
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Thanks Julie! It’s easy when you have the perfect subject.
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We just unloaded our first 200 bales of hay here as well. I LOVE your pictures!!!!!!!
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It’s truly rewarding to fill up a barn or haylot~
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I will send her your congrats!! The farm is so busy now and time to send our fall calves to market week after next. They’re beauties this year. Have a great week!
All my best, Rita
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First congrats to Victoria.
Your farm looks great – that grass is fantastic to see
for the cattle and the bailing of the alfalfa seems to be
coming along well also.
Yes let that hay dry out or ELSE! As you well know.
Hopefully summer will be a great time on your ranch,
growing calves, laying hens and good produce from the
orchard.
Cheers
Your Aussie mate
Colin
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