Raking our Last cut of hay. Trying a different way.

Today i am raking our hay field. But I am going to try to rake it differently. Trying to lay my windrows out better. This is my first year Making hay bales, so I am still learning.
I am using a JI case 730 pulling a New Idea 403 side delivery Hay rake.
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Country View Acres
P.O. Box 469
Robinson, IL 62454
We live in southeastern Illinois on a 41 acres homestead. We just finished building our log cabin overlooking our pond. We are trying to grow our own food and raise livestock. Follow us on our journey living the rural life and developing our property and becoming more self sufficient.

[@kevincameron8437]

I’m loving how you keep all of your machinery going. No computers to go down, all simple machinery. As a KC-135 aircraft mechanic, I have a fondness for keeping simple stuff going.. and it’s a nit plate that you’re missing on the hood of your tractor.

[@workhardlivefree3818]

If Your Family that owned the property years ago could see how great You've made it, they'd be proud. Thought Your rows looked great!

[@mountainson8688]

That sickle looks to have done a far superior job.... not too hairy from what I can see... And don't sweat the layout too much... You'll get better as you go along. Definitely getting better even now! BEERS!

[@marygates8567]

While I've never been a hayfarmer I can say that your fields are beautiful and Thanks! for posting as my husband and I absolutely love to watch you work lol

[@batpherlangkharkrang7976]

Hi..... Evan nice to see you, nice cutting hay, thank you for sharing your video homestead chicken farmer garden 👋 bye 👋 bye 👋 bye 👋 👕🐔🐓🐥🐕🐖🐈🌱🐐🎥👍👍👍

[@lazio7495]

I liked how you did leave those tail ends. It's easier to pick up when your making the turn with the baler, your not making such tight turns 👍. Great birds eye view of the raking pattern 👍

[@timetable620]

Looks nice to have all your attachments and equipment out of the weeds and up on that slab and under that cover

[@lylesmith1949]

Evan, this raking sure seemed to go alot smoother. And the field is looking great! Hopefully it comes back even stronger next spring! Good job!

[@onehundredacres723]

I like that you take on board and share ideas and tips that other people send you because im also learning from what you share we have a 100 acre property in south Australia in the early stages mainly land clearing and weed control at the moment so your videos help a lot ...Thanks

[@johndowe7003]

Nothing worse than a man that can't take criticism, even if it's constructive .

[@redeyedmongoose2963]

You are doing great... I experienced the farming’ learning curve ‘ slowly from birth, you are experiencing the curve in an accelerated, in your face mode as an adult. You have not ran from physical pain or the mental anguish and continue to improve your abilities and your equipment and you are becoming’ farm tough’ , you will do ok. If it is the lifestyle and not the monetary profits that you seek, I think you will be happy! Too old for the fields now, I farm wth you.

[@margaretbedwell58]

Well said. There is so much to learn if you didn't grow up with it. So many new homesteaders are second generation (or more) city folks. I think Evan is doing a remarkable job on this express learning curve he is on.

[@joedorotik9159]

I farm with him also good job!

[@patwanner1781]

I would have no idea how to rake....I would be lost. Im a city girl....grew up in California and never saw a hay field until I moved to Wyoming. So as long as you get the hay in bales I say it’s a success.🐖🐖

[@donaldthomas5852]

I couldn't keep from smiling. I have a 10 wheel V rake for the speed. I also have a old New Holland 55 roller rake that I love using. The way I rake is I always go all around the outer part of the field twice in the same direction to throw the hay farther away from any tree line or fence then I would turn around go the opposite direction and rake the third pass to finish the window. That way when you start baling it give you more turning room with the baler. In thicker hay I go in one direction the 1st pass and turn around and go the opposite direction on the same window. You can always go a little faster on the first pass then you do on the last pass. There's no one way to rake . Whatever may work in one field may need to be done a little different in another field depending on the shape of the field and whatever works for each individual. Keep up the good work. I love doing hay ( when everything goes right, lol). Keep the videos coming enjoy watching them.

[@lukemiller5529]

You did good great job you are learning

[@HumbleHaymakers]

Hay rake is doing a nice job cleaning up the field.

[@da1shark]

Looks like the rake I used in the late 60s (I was under 16). I was paid like 90 cents an hour - hot job. One option you may try is turn to the right at the end of a row and make a circle. I think that is what I was taught. But it looks great. I know some times I raked two rows together, but that slowed down the baler - too much going into the machine and had to come to a stop to push the material through. We made the small hay bales (80 to 100 pounds each) with wire (not twine). Enjoy seeing the older equipment still in use today.

[@patriciabeyer7824]

Thanks for the video. I enjoy watching them. Be well. 💐👍👏☝️

[@Tonetwisters]

I think your windrows look great. Don't worry about comments about your tractor ... gracious.

[@matthewkahn3480]

Evan, if there is doo or moisture on the grass in the morning, there's no rain. That day ...if the grass, Is dry in the morning there will be rain that day !

[@robertheinkel6225]

There should be a disconnect on that rake, so it doesn't rotate while in transit. I found that raking irregular shaped fields, works best if you rake it so the baler doesn't have to take sharp turns. Also raking in the early morning, while the dew is still in the hay, minimizing leaf loss. If it is too dry, the leaves just fall off, and the hay is not as nutritious.

[@ralphbennett6408]

Dont worry about how to mow or rake your hay field my friend and dont let others try to perswaide you into doing your work their way. Just do the work in a way that pleases you and it gets done. Take a look at other fields in your area and see how thay are doing their taking and come up with a plan that works for you. It's your field and not anybody else's so just take your time and figure out a way that please you. You are doing a great job as a new farmer so just dont worry rush things, take your time and be safe. Ralph a retired dairyman from the Great Dairy State of Wisconsin.

[@jeffanderlik7695]

Perswaide? I thought Wisconsin had better schools than that.

[@JamesCouch777]

When I have to measure, like find the center of a field, I paint a stripe on my tractor tire and count the revolutions. Works great!

[@haroldsobel8599]

Thank you for taking the time to share your day with us. Very enjoyable to me.

[@peggysizemore4207]

great job Evan......hey sponsors where are ya got well deserving youtuber right here

[@livelife4471]

That was kind of the viewer to send you an overhead diagram on how to rake the field. Now that you are an experienced farmer, for Christmas, you will need to ask for a new pair of coveralls, a straw hat and perhaps for your stocking a long piece of hay so that you can chew on it as you do your farm chores! I've enjoyed watching your videos as you tackle your homestead. Keep it up!

[@robertsmith3602]

Your doing good. Dont worry about negative comments. That hood can be put on later when you done with the hay. You work full time and try to get things done on the farm. Not enough time in the day sometimes. I do the same thing. Just keep pluggin away. We are always trying to catch up.

[@danielheartsill4269]

My wife and I are both retired and we still can't keep up. The problem is when you get old you slow down. But we are getting there and happy and that's what we all need.

[@csnanny1882]

Good job today Evan. Hopefully you can get some rest over the winter months. Love your videos,I am always looking for another one. God bless,and be safe.

[@DanKlein_1]

I used to worry about how I raked. I guess I do as far as trying to save time but in the end, if it is in a windrow, the baler will get it. what I have done on triangle pieces is at the wide end, if it isn't too wide, just keep raking in to the center until I get it all into a row. if it is to fat, start another row. It is difficult to find room to turn around though without getting into the row beside you. again, in the end... if it somewhat straight... the baler will get it. :-) It is cool watching you learn as you go. I can tell you, you are nailing it. sickle bar in tip top shape as is your knowledge of what works and what does not.

[@ithacacomments4811]

Making hay while the sun shines!

[@powrguy1696]

Congrats, Evan, on passing the 50K subscriber mark. You put a lot of work in on producing lots of videos, with lots of great content. You and Rebeca have done a great job.

[@lucaspeavey3787]

When raking I'd suggest you do like you are but try to make as big of windrows as long you can and as and do your main outside windrow then do all your inside windrows then finally do a second outside pass and it cleans up the little short ends that are left when it's a triangle.

[@cam204101]

Great video. I don't think it is important if the hood is on the tractor or if the rows are straight, I think the main thing is getting the hay in before the rain. Great job.

[@F4gardens]

i love rusty old equipment

[@michaelcrowley2100]

Awesome job your doing very good job.love the vids I do three 50 acre cuttings a year. Love to do more when weather alows it. The arm chair farmers are great. But your the one that counts. Keep up the good work.

[@shukfahid]

You make it look easy. Every time I do this I’m about to lose a leg or finger.

[@marcerivest6204]

By the end of next year you'll be a pro,on another note if you're going to leave the machines outside make sure you grease the bearings. Water and snow gets into the bearings and that means trouble.

[@gimmedata4557]

Good job

[@HMSSfrigate12]

nice job Evan!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@maryallen6334]

You will get the pattern that works for you. But anyway, it was nice to share the hayfield and sunny day with you and the satisfaction of great grown hay!!!

[@gregj2647]

Everything we do in life is a learning experience and we grow and improve. Enjoy your videos and I learn from watching. 👍

[@provinciallife8586]

Yehey!!! Never been so early. I'm a fan of your videos and farm project. Love from Philippines!

[@ndtschau]

9:43 Function before fashion! 😉👍🏻

[@davidgourdie3691]

Rivnuts for your hood and rattle can paint jobs on case tractor,mower,rake and baler for the winter jobs under cover.

[@dmsentra]

First pass counterclockwise around the perimieter, second pass clockwise to push that windrow back out, farther towards the outside so you have more room inside. Next pass down one side with the field on your left, turn and windrow back to the outside onto that same windrow with the rest of the field on your right. Continue down and back to double each windrow until you finish up. That will double up that light crop so your baler can eat better and more efficient to bale half as many trips.

[@bethstuart7448]

Don't be so hard on yourself. Everyone has to learn. My hubs is not a DIY guy at all, he has learned so much from watching your videos and has also learned how to try, look up and research things for himself! Keep up the great videos!

[@kblaylock9244]

When I rake, I drive straight similar to what your doing then turn around 180 degrees and rake the unraked hay back into the windrow I just made. Making it a doubled up winrow.

[@petedavis8701]

Well done Evan

[@sharonanspach2734]

definitely an improvement the way you raked it for sure.. its always a learning curve :)

[@christopherbrosz5003]

That same strategy works well for mowing with a sicklebar mower. Less corners to deal with.

[@vernonvest9927]

Looks good enough for a salad 🥗

[@davidwatsonii9469]

GLAD YOU 'RE A MAN WHO CAN DEAL WITH ADVICE, MINE IS JUST STICK WITH IT, YOU'RE DOIN GOOD, I ENJOY THE CHANNEL, BEAUTIFUL PLACE YOU'RE PUTTIN TOGETHER

[@geo52041]

I love the old case she looks like a beast !!!!

[@michellewishon1341]

Hey what's not to like, you do the work and I sit on my duff and get to watch you do it that's a win win for me, plus I do enjoy watching your videos., so you keep making them and I will keep watching them. Have a Good Day.

[@fredhart7904]

Old rake looks to be doing a good job, I understood you were going to get upgraded tires for better grip?

[@yasminghani2073]

Amazing job you are a very hard worker

[@harryb2683]

Well done!

[@grantlavely9420]

Glad someone had the courage to speak up about how it might be more efficent. It was hard to watch the going in squares. I know that it is hard putting yourself out there as a beginner.... Keep working hard. I noticed that you have gotten lean and strong from all the work. Well done.

[@danielniquette5187]

You could also look for Zamboni pattern on the Net. This pattern is used to resurfaces ice rink but can be adapted for other purpose like mowing and raking large areas. It is good to avoid sharp turns. You can also put landmarks on the field's edge to help you go the right direction. Good preparation always pays back.

[@jeffferanec4526]

Good job Evan, we all learn as we go. I rake the outside rows last as to clean up the end tails of all the inside rows.

[@crslyrn]

The hay looks good. If you're ever at your in-law's house, come see me, I live nextdoor to them, & I'll try to explain the method of raking hay with a bar rake. Or at least the methods I've used. Stay safe.

[@olddawgdreaming5715]

Good job Evan, looks like a great cutting for the third cut 👍👍👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻. Thanks for sharing with us, always enjoy your videos.

[@nicknewman1924]

Nice an old roller bar hay rake .

[@JohnMartinez-sm1sk]

You did a good job, hay does look good. It’s amazing to see that old rake work

[@tvcat3665]

I wonder what year it was first put into use? 🤔 Tractor too.

[@CountryViewAcres]

I am sure the age of the hay rake. But the case tractor is from 1961

[@robertpayne2717]

I like older tractors when wearing their work clothes. I do hope you've put the hood up in the shop out of the way where nothing will fall or damage it...

[@dannygoin6552]

Learning curve

[@helmet151]

Good morning Evan I think you’re doing a nice job being a newbie at that being a farmer it takes a while to do what you have to do and learn how to do hey can be tricky sometimes on uneven acreage keep on watching and keep doing the job and you’ll get it

[@dwaynekoblitz6032]

I’ve no doubt that you will get better at it. You didn’t do that bad at all. Better than I would’ve. Great job.

[@johndudley5987]

Looks good.

[@sherry2836]

"Make hay while the sun shines"! Your animals will be very happy. Love your channel.

[@ardenehanson2840]

You did excellent! Looks so even! Good job!

[@toddsherfey3652]

Deer heaven. Growing up our neighbor's had field like that it was always full of rabbit's and deer. God I sure miss hunting and fishing. God speed

[@asparreboom8259]

even,trow the hood away,because you got the coolest looking tractor there is.

[@513coneyslinger]

That up close, slow mo shot of the rake was really cool looking. Keep up your hard work. Best wishes to you and the wife.

[@applejack120]

Its all a learning experience.

[@marshasmith6320]

Nice looking hay. Reminded me of when my Dad used to cut hay. I think you did a great job.

[@rodom53]

It is a learning curve. Will get better at it.

[@davidprutzman8660]

Evan, I grew up on a dairy farm in the east central part of PA. it looks like our New Idea rake was the same model as yours. I noticed when you move the rake your bars are always moving. There is a lever by the left wheel that if you pull it down you will disengage the bars. I realize you might already know about it and that the clutch could be damaged or worn out and you have to leave it engaged. As far as how your raking the field other people are right it's a learning curve don't be afraid to try different ways the good thing about raking hay is if you don't like how the windrow looks you can always move it. Your alfalfa and grass mix looks good it should be easy to sell what you don't need.

[@frrapp2366]

first the field looked great!!! when i rake some times i skip a pass and basically do every other pass, 1,3,5,ect. then come back and do the pass the i skipped 2,4,6 this lets me make bigger turns . you might measure from one side and put a flag on each end to aim at to get your field strait or at least how you want it. as for the hood if it works who cares what it looks like you will get to it when you have the time!

[@frrapp2366]

just to clarify a little bit i do have a 15ft windrower so i start out with rows

[@flvince]

Looks like a good 3rd cutting, hey your learning and doing a great job.

[@chasetice9432]

I'm going into my 4th year making hay in 2021 I bale 86 acres with all old equipment... when I rake I do 6 rounds on the outside raking outward after the 1st round then your long rows start on outside and work in raking toward the outside then wont be as bad of a triangle just how I do it... you will get the hang of it just keep at it

[@Bellinghamster42]

Great video! I've been doing it for 6 years and am still fine-tuning how I rake. One suggestion to deal with all the "tails" on the windrows...if you're going to double windrows rake 2 passes outward around the perimeter then start on one edge of the field go down raking inward turn a sharp 180 and back making one windrow in the middle, then move over, down and back again. At the end that you turn towards the windrow the rake will tidy up the ends (if you turn fast enough). The other end of the field will have "scallops" raked outward. When done with all your back and forths go across the scallops raking them into a nice windrow and cutting off the ends of the back and forths (you might need to make a couple windrows a that end to clean up any "islands". Last go around and roll the perimeter inward so you have room for the tractor and baler. Bale the perimeter first, then the end rows (i.e clearing the headlands), which gives you room to turn the baler when doing the body of the field.

[@thomasmarion3209]

No1 is perfect it just takes time to figure out what works best for you 👍👍keep up the good work 👏

[@TheSnowmobiler123]

You're doing great, its all a learning experience. The first time I raked hay it wasn't pretty.

[@danielheartsill4269]

First, hind sight is 20/20 so you can see all the little things you could have done another way. However you did very well and you can make another row at the edge next spring. The square holes on the tractor look like they may be the size as the plastic inserts on a car for the license plates. If they are snap them in and put screws in them to hold the hood down, cheap and easy. your place looks great and I can't see where anyone could complain. I know tips help but there is a difference between tips and complaints.

[@briangroom6173]

Much better! When I raked I always just turned around and went down the other side of my wind row. Then I would do a final around the outside

[@MrGrin]

Отличная работа ретро техники👍👍👍

[@jaywest4102]

We need WD40 to step up and sponsor this man. And while we’re at it.. an implement sponsor, tractor sponsor, Simply Safe, Ariat boots. Send this hard working man some products and financial support.

[@margaretbedwell58]

I don't know about the other companies but Ariat Boots has stepped up....as they have with several other homesteaders.

[@reax2237]

Sponsor sponsor sponsor. Everyone wants free stuff!

[@user-pf7cw5wr4y]

And some spray paints ,rust all over dude!

[@Tonetwisters]

Right on. Make it so, Lord.

[@Tonetwisters]

@@reax2237 Or at least a good price. Nothing wrong with getting something if you market it on-camera for them. It's called, "advertising."

[@robertlong7033]

Looks like a pretty nice yield for a third crop. Here in North Central Pa most didn't even get a second crop. Remember the NH 78 is a high capacity baler and can eat some big windrows.

[@letzrockitrite8469]

Great looking Hay !... appreciate your shares.... Jon @ Idaho

[@sydneymcconnaughhay5947]

Looks awesome too me ,but I'm just a Gramma in fl.havin my coffee and loving life.You and your Wife are so cute. GOD BLESS.🙏♥️

[@donniechapman5922]

Who cares if someone doesn't like the hood being off your farming not entering a beauty contest!

[@singleman1986]

WELL said and I couldn't agree more. My 'naked' tractors work just as well as my 'dressed up' ones. AND they're easier to work on. JMHO's.....~Eli.

[@douglasmacarthur8775]

@@singleman1986 ..do you drive your car and truck with the hood off ?

[@singleman1986]

@@douglasmacarthur8775 .....Even if I DID drive these days, No, I wouldn't drive at highway speeds with the hood off. That is illegal here AND it screws up air flows.

[@douglasmacarthur8775]

Can 't that rake be disengaged ?

[@davidj.mackinney6568]

I love the look of that Case.

[@stevezickefoose8563]

I think you did well, thanks for sharing.

[@farmalllover8217]

Nice video. What I would try is raking starting at one side and rolling one wind row at a time up and down instead of jumping around. Odd shape fields just aren’t easy to rake sometimes.

[@stevemartinez6757]

I think you are doing a wonderful job. I love the smell of fresh cut/raked hay. As far as the hood on the tractor, that's pretty much a low priority thing. My old tractor (1979 Ford 3600) looks pretty rough but gets the job done. I'm on it just about every weekend. Some day when I get some "free time" I might take some of the sheet metal off and sandblast/paint it.

[@andyteohockguan2235]

Awesome video and God bless

[@ndtschau]

7:34 Practice makes perfect! 😊👍🏻

[@shaniaa9287]

Great piece of property you found 👌❣️

[@vernonvest9927]

Way to go looking good.

[@David.ASmith]

We usually double the windrows. Seems like you’re getting the hang of it. We also have have a second tractor following the raker so doubling the windrows as you go is more critical to give the baler a job. I usually start on my long straight side and work my way back and forth flip flopping the rake so they double up. One end turns sharp back on it self but the other end is a little tricky. Looking good.

[@kingkong7617]

Evan would be a good person for Kubota tractor to work out a deal with and he would be good advertising for the Kubota accessories, as you can see Evan has done a tremendous job with very old equipment and he made it work like it was new, so come on guys, give Evan a hand, John Deere would be a good sponsor!

[@danielthomason5685]

Start doing straight lines in longest part of field...work across field in straight lines the after done make 2 rows around outer edge....best way hands down