Making Hay : How to Cut, Dry, Rake, Gather, and Store a Nourishing Crop. A Storey BASICS® Title

Cutting (mowing) -- Drying -- Raking -- Gathering -- Storing -- Problem-solving and planning.;Organic farmer Ann Larking Hansen clearly and simply explains the five steps of the age-old art of making hay to feed livestock. This complete guide covers how to suit the hay to your animals and the haying equipment to your farm operation, how to judge the weather and the crop, and precisely how to cut, rake, dry, gather, and store a winter's supply of hay to be fed to your animals or sold for profit. "Ann Larkin Hansen covers everything you need to know to successfully make your own hay, from cutting, drying, and raking to baling and storing. She also tells you everything you need to know about equipment options, including traditional horse power, tractor power, and implements ranging from scythes to disc mowers. You'll learn how to choose the right species for your soil, how to predict haymaking weather, how to judge hay quality, how to determine how much hay your animals need, and how to buy and sell hay."-- Provided by publisher From cutting, drying, and raking to baling and storing, this Storey BASICS® guide covers all you need to know to successfully make your own hay. Ann Larkin Hansen offers expert advice on everything from scythes to disc mowers, and details the pros and cons of using horse power or tractors. You'll learn how to choose the right species for your soil, judge hay quality to buy or sell, and determine how many bales your animals need to stay happy, healthy, and energetic.