[Carl Russell]

[Carl Russell]

[Carl Russell]

[Carl Russell]

http://www.uvm.edu/landscape/asset_store/12/19/LS12197/LS12197_000_thumb_3.jpg

[Carl Russell]

http://www.uvm.edu/landscape/search/thumbnails.php?imageSet=1389222529-52cdda81d5964

Here is a link to an excellent searchable archive of historical photos of VT….. this link is the result of a search for pics with key word oxen….

Carl

[Carl Russell]

So in this light I will point out that the routines I learned were passed down from men that had tried to beat a lot of weather. They cut in the evening, tedded twice the next day, once early, once amidst the heat. They may mow again, or bale if there was any down and ready. Then the next day they either tedded again, raked and baled, or raked and baled if it didn’t need tedding.

All of this attention may seem like too much unnecessary work, but if it wasn’t dry in 2-3 days, it was likely going to be rained on, then require more work with even less quality.

In all the years I have been haying, either for myself, or as a hand, I can carry easily in two hands the number of times that we could just relax and let the hay dry…. it just don’t happen in these woods.

Part of energy efficiency is not just not expending energy, but working with systems that are beyond our control. There may be some days when you don’t have to do a thing, but on balance that is not the rule, and when we are not prepared for the consequences we end up spending more energy for less gain than we would have if we just plugged along.

Another great example of that is the crop. Sure you get tons of energy out of early maturing grass, but in weather like we have in VT, that means chopping and silage, which means wicked investments in equipment and energy. So why not grow timothy, and red clover, let it be ready by late June when it will dry better. Means less hay from fewer mowings, but better quality hay made with less effort, can support a smaller farming model, less stress on soil, etc…….. goes along with Donn’s suggestion of early grazing, which I did last summer to good results.

Anyway…. hay isn’t drying too well today, Carl

[Carl Russell]

Phil, I use pressure to direct the horse, increasing as she needs until she shows an inclination to do as directed….. immediately the reward is a cessation of pressure. I often describe it as light as a feather and hard as a rock, so that while it is a release of pressure, it is not a complete let-go…. I stay right there to make sure she can find the pressure if she needs reaffirmation.

Carl

[Carl Russell]

Elizabeth, I don’t have harnesses, but I just tried to send you an email today about Draftwood, and the email you gave me at DAPFD came back. If you want me to put you on the list please send me your current info.

And good luck on the harnesses.

Carl

[Carl Russell]

Please be sure to send me your current contact information (even if you think I have it) so that I can keep an up-to-date database.

[Carl Russell]

I have more experience with loose hay than baling, but have bought many bales from others over the years. One of the challenges we are faced with is that we are not conditioning our hay, as cutting with a sickle-bar does not crush the stem. In my mind this leads to better hay, but it also complicates the drying and baling process.

I have posted before that I learned most of my haying from men who adapted their horse-drawn ways to machinery. Cutting a lot of hay at one time was not a common practice. 500 bales was about tops in one section. This way the hay could get the attention it needs. Also with less on the ground, there is less tendency toward short-cuts. I have learned that big windrows and tight bales are great methods for increasing production, but they run contrary to making good hay that can store well.

The rotary rake has been developed for large amounts of hay and bigger balers. As George points out, the tools we use are only aids in the process that we are trying to perfect. The tools alone cannot make good hay, and good hay can be made without any tools. It matters what context you are working in.

One reason that loose hay stores so well is that it isn’t compacted the way baled hay is. I used to love coming into the stables during winter evening chores with a fork-full of summer. The animals just loved that hay. It filled the barn with a luscious odor, and created an intimacy to the situation that just doesn’t exist with baled hay, even from my own fields.

Carl

[Carl Russell]

I have done quite a bit of post ice-storm clean-up, and woods work. As long as there is ice on the trees it is extreme unpredictable, and dangerous. They are calling for some thawing temps this weekend, so ice may reduce some. If you don’t have hazards that must be taken care of, a little waiting will go a long way…….. however you can always benefit from the experience…. as long as you don’t get hurt. 😯

Carl

[Carl Russell]

http://xa.yimg.com/kq/groups/38018172/sn/937076034/name/IMG_0109.jpg

[Carl Russell]

FYI

From: Racey Bingham <raceybingham@gmail.com>
Subject: [beginningwomenfarmers] Percheron Draft Team for Sale [1 Attachment]
Date: December 22, 2013 10:05:38 PM EST
To: beginningwomenfarmers@yahoogroups.com

[Attachment(s) from Racey Bingham included below]

Hi folks,

Looking for a draft team? Killian and Moose are a steady, reliable and willing team. We bought them a year ago to train and then sell.

Details of their training and photos can be found on our website: http://www.reberrockfarm.com/draft-horse-training–sales.html

Email with questions and please spread the word!

Racey

—
Racey Bingham
Farmer & International Agriculture and Rural Development Consultant
Reber Rock Farm – http://www.reberrockfarm.com
518 572 7377
skype: racey_bingham

[Carl Russell]

Jay, you have a real gem there. A saw mill set up on a handy landing on the edge of your wood lot will yield years of valuable product.

The building looks great. I did very little in the scope of things, but am very happy I was able to make it down to see some of your place. Plans change, but no plan is worth the paper it is written on without the commitment and ingenuity to pull it off, and you clearly have those attributes wrapped up.

I love all of the thought that you put into the design of this shed…… There are many things about this change of plans that you will look back on as opportunities, and I think that this building will be one.

Keep up the good work, Carl (nice pics)

[Carl Russell]

A boy and his toys….. 😯

As usual this is truly inspiring Tim. A testament to the depth of a long-term working partnership.

Thanks for sharing, Carl

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