May 20th, 2018: Making Hay

This picture was taken in 1880 Pennsylvania. Obviously posed, probably the 3rd settlement of the Harmony Society in Economy PA.



I'd like a nickel for every ton of hay I've forked that way. It's not fun. :headshake

What, were you on a chain gang?
I can't think of anywhere else where this system might have been used since the 1940's.

xoxoxoBruce;1008692 wrote:

I'd like a nickel for every ton of hay I've forked that way. It's not fun. :headshake

Fork that.

Vests, ties, dresses, fancy hats... People used to get all dressed up just to go do yardwork. Nowadays it's shorts and T-shirts.
Did humans not get sweaty in the old days?

Diaphone Jim;1008700 wrote:

What, were you on a chain gang?
I can't think of anywhere else where this system might have been used since the 1940's.

That's because you're thinking of commercial farms where baling or rolling is the norm because it's most efficient. But a small operation with a couple of animals, horses for pleasure riding or cattle for 4-H projects can't justify tens of thousands of dollars for the tractor, mower, side delivery rake, and baler for the hay.
Two days ago I saw a farmer mowing a sizable field of Alfalfa with a pair of horses plus a Dalmatian and a German Shepard running interference. I'm sure it won't be baled.