The biggest news on the farm this week is that 225 square bales of hay and 27 round bales have been cut, cured and stacked in the barn! The hay harvest came at least 2 weeks earlier then in years past, mostly due to the warm dry weather we've experienced over the last month. The farm hasn't had rain since Mother's Day, making for a thirsty farm over all, but relatively easeful hay season. Well, let's be honest, "easeful" is a relative term. Hay season is frequently fraught with equipment glitches and unexpected rain events. We managed to avoid the latter, but a few minor equipment issues resulted in a hay day that lasted until past dark on Monday. Thanks to the positive attitude of the crew, we made quick work of the heavy, sweaty task.
Cutting and baling hay marks the apex of the growing season and contributes to the farm organism in a beautiful way. Hay involves family and friends in the work of the farm, and creates an atmosphere of festival and community. We couldn't put up hay without the expertise of Holly's Dad, George, who has been making hay since he was a kid and coming to the mountains to work on his Grandparent's farm during the summers. Hay also helps to close the cycle of nutrients on the farm by providing feed for the cattle, draft horses and goats. By reducing the arm's reliance on imported feed stock, the farm travels a little further down the path on it's journey toward resiliency.