Farming with Horses: Mowing Hay with the Belgian Team & Fixing Mowing Machine

[@richardgreen7811]

Boy does this take me back. My Grandfather owned 40 acres in Kentucky. He and my Grandmother raised 4 children during the entire depression, and they never wanted for anything. He farmed with two mules and had a full compliment of implements like the one's You are using. In 1949 (the year I was born) he bought a Ford 8N tractor. He modified the mule-drawn implements to be pulled by the tractor, but kept the mules for cultivation on certain crops (like tobacco) when they became tall. In 1961, when I was 12, I would help him on the farm by operating the implements as he drove the tractor. I have many miles on that cutting mower. I also operated the hay rake behind the tractor. The manure spreader and hay bailer he could operate alone. Man how I hated stacking those 60 lb bales on the trailer.

[@keithallsebrook2797]

Love watching ! Brings back memories from my childhood. I grew up in a mennonite community. We used percheron horses. I use to love hop on the backs of the big black horses when they were grazing . That's hard work! I so admire you keeping this way of farming alive.

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Thanks for watching!

[@thirzapeevey2395]

Nice to see a 100+ year old mower still working and still putting up hay.

[@kimfleury]

I worked at the city school today. Sure wish these kids could spend summers on working farms and pitch in a bit. I don't think people are meant to live cramped up together in boxes. It's like Abraham and his nephew Lot. I'm grateful to be able to unwind by listening to and watching your videos ❤️

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Thanks for watching. You have a tough job! Glad the vids help you unwind. Our daughter Trudy is a teacher and we know it is a very challenging job. You are right, kids need room to move and work does a person good too

[@peteacher52]

Sickle bar mowers cut the grass to its full length while some rotaries and the forage harvesters chop it into shorter lengths. What is best depends on the intended use of the end product. The speed of horses gives ground nesting birds a better chance of escape and the mower likely pass over the eggs or small chicks. Great video!

[@markloomis1415]

Love your dedication to the draft horses! My grandfather had a team of black percherons and worked them every day to the point that they were tuff as nails. They always impressed me with how strong they were. I had a small dairy farm when I was in my 20's and eventually found out there wasn't any money in making milk but I was pretty good at making hay. I would follow the weather forecast and would usually cut hay in the rain and it would stay nice and green for at least a couple days. Then when you finally get some sun the hay was already down and ready to rake!

[@caroledwards3465]

The sound of the cutter reminds me of my grand mothers treadle sewing machine it was a Singer sewing machine ,funny how sound remind you of days long ago ....keep safe and well best wishes to everyone ,from Carol and Sue from the North Norfolk coast UK

[@johnking8679]

It reminds me when we lived in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) in Africa. We had a small store where we had 3 tailors who used treacle Singer sewing machines to make and sell clothing to the local populace !! Wonderful memories !!

[@johnking8679]

TREADLE !!

[@jerryjarrell2373]

Thank's for sharing Jim you are a busy man love the videos stay safe and God bless

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Thanks 👍

[@richardransom7391]

I grew up in AR and as a toddler when I was introduced to a pair of Belgium/Morgan mix team Uncle Charlie and his mom Aunt May both the most loving horse's ever. I'd ride their hoves and they clop with total care I never and remembered ever getting my legs over their backs (but did ride them both). As kid they drop there head so I could get up on their backs 😄 I left AR in my late teens but that team always loved to work hard and to loved to love me and granddad. Some bonds are real gifts from God.

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Thanks for sharing your memories!

[@larrykerr7712]

Excellent video.You can almost smell the fresh cut hay and horse sweat.

[@phmoffett]

My dad would have loved your channel. He farmed with mules. Great camera work. Lots goes in to the making of just one video and its hard to really appreciate all you do. Thank you.

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Thanks for watching, we appreciate it

[@johnnytyson8645]

Loved it i don't think most people appreciate the work put in on horses i do thank you jim. God bless yoy and your work . One more great show by the way when you was harnessjng lady bill they looked like just another day at office

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Thanks 👍

[@angiered4396]

I appreciate everything u do. I love how your trained horses get water and automatically go to there stalls, it's phenomenal to watch them. One other thing your older but so am i but i do like your arms when your workin, they are pretty tone for us old folks-hope the wife appreciates them also 😁😁😁😁

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Thanks Angie, she does

[@marianstroup1]

What a trio ya'll are! Love all the big drafts. Good, solid, easy tempered horses. Love them so much.

[@Donniebwalker]

First time I've watched your video I love it I saw the one where your daughter's was feeding the horses and helping with hauling wood . A + Great show Your daughter's act like they didn't mine helping Great family video

[@gastoncannon4710]

Good afternoon, Jim, what some great hay you are cutting, love watching you work those beautiful animals. Those breakdowns do show up at the worst time. Kinda like the old saying, “Sometimes you’re the windshield, sometimes you’re the bug”! Lol. Keep on keeping on, and have a good day. 👍👍👍👍👍

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Haha, thanks, you too!

[@railroadman57]

Splendid Video Jim I always enjoy your fine content cutting , raking , and baling Hay was one of my favorite jobs here on the farm with our Shires thank you for posting your wonderful videos God Bless you all .

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Thanks 👍, God bless you too!

[@dianerobillard1044]

Loved watching the horses mowing hay. Could almost smell it! Thanks for sharing.

[@markevanger4791]

Enjoy the response from the horses and how well you care for them. They seem happy to work because they are treated very well.

[@stevesedgwick5789]

That machine cuts really well. Horses were great as usual

[@marvinrathke3640]

This video brought back pleasant memories from my childhood when my dad or grandmother would cut hay with our Belgians Jerry and Shorty. Shorty was always content with letting Jerry pull most of the load. Shorty however was great for cultivating the garden with a cultivator like the one you used to cultivate between your corn rows recently. My dad would let me lead him between the rows.

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Thanks for sharing your memories!

[@andreas515c2]

Hi Jim, nice video showing the Belgians pulling the mower. Farm on, Andreas

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Thanks 👍

[@jimfreyne]

You have a good day too Jim. Thank you.

[@555aaappp]

Thank you and your family for sharing, may the good lord continue to bless you.

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Same to you!

[@klauskarbaumer6302]

You never seem to run out of interesting places for your camera As to the action itself, mowing hay with the horses is one of the most rewarding things one can do on the farm, even when little mishaps occur. Been there, done it, often. Very nice stand of grass you have there. I wish I could cut the hay yet, but my red clover mixed with the brome isn't ready yet, and we had so much rain- 15 days in May alone- with more on the way the next couple of days, that I just do not want to risk it. Then ground was way too damp, too.

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Wow, you must be getting all the rain, it's dry here. Surprised to hear you haven't been able to cut yet, you are usually so far ahead of us in everything

[@Cornishaich]

Love it, thanks again. We used to rivet the blades on the cutter bars and carried at least two spares. We spent an hour of a morning mending and changing blades, The finger bar mowers were pulled with a tractor back then.

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Thanks for watching Harry, yes repairing and maintenance sure takes time 1

[@johnwinden8511]

Jim, thank you for taking the time to produce such interesting and information videos. Moving the camera around for the different perspectives makes for good watching. I’m sure that cuts into your production and can try your patience some times. I live in western Washington so I’ve been in the woods all my life so your farm life I find fascinating. Keep up the good work and again, thank you. John

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Thanks for watching John, glad you enjoy the videos

[@charleyherron430]

Love the videos so much. Worked with mules as a child with my dad. Takes me back to those days. Thanks so much for sharing.

[@louisecassidy5991]

Earthy! I could almost smell the fresh mown hay from Australia.

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Thanks for watching Louise!

[@stanhensley3082]

You have one heck of a crop of hay. As a kid on the farm a big crop meant long days in the hay field. Kind-of a good news bad news thing.Lots hay for the cold 🥶 winter but lots of work in hot 🥵 summer. Thanks.

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Very true!

[@impunitythebagpuss]

Gotta say, your hay looks great...bet your critters love it!

[@MoonFireGypsy]

Very cool to watch, thanks so much for all of your hard work and awesome videos.

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Thanks for watching!

[@michaelsavage4414]

Gotta say, I love that opening song!

[@wallacefoulkes3514]

My grandpa farmed with horses. He put some hay in the barn too soon and it burned to the ground. All his friends got together and they raised a new barn. There was only one draft horse on the farm when I was old enough to visit it. They used her to pull the stone boat doing chores in the farmstead.

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Thanks for sharing the memories, great that the community got together and helped raise a new barn

[@8tomtoms8]

Love your videos, Jim!!! Your horses are beautiful, expertly trained animals. So nice for you not having to wear ear plugs all of the time to protect your ears from loud engines. Hope the rain holds off for you.

[@woodchuck1946]

Enjoyable video. You horses and cattle will eat well this winter.

[@jon.landry47]

You accomplish so much and make it look so easy, I’m amazed.

[@georgeleray5657]

Good job jim nice thick hay this year.

[@williamlewis8741]

thanks jim for this video. unexpected breakdowns are a bother but you dealt with it with grace and efficiency cheers

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Thanks 👍

[@bombardier3qtrlbpsi]

Great job thanks for sharing. I cut hay with a John Deere D and a No. 5 John Deere Mower on it. Brings back good memories.

[@karikallio2864]

👍👍👍on teillä mahtavat hevoset

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Kiitos katsomisesta

[@danamelby4090]

Thanks for sharing! Hay is early here also grass has really taken off fast we are from new london wi they have been cutting first crop a few weeks ago!

[@randybutler4772]

Beautiful hay Jim. Thank you for sharing.

[@rangepro]

Fabulous!!

[@rottiman100]

Therapeutic viewing at it's finest. Really enjoyable.

[@edcrego396]

very nice thanks for sharing your hard working days God Bless

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Thanks for watching and God bless you!

[@pascalquignon1895]

Bien cordialement, Best regards from France

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Bonjour! Merci d'avoir regardé!

[@pehines57]

Good looking stand of hay

[@PedroJimenez-jq7tp]

Hi I just want to let you know that I like your videos keep up the good work God bless you and your family

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Thank you so much!

[@kevinallen8072]

Love videos, my Dad had horses and used an old horse draw mower like you'res. It a yard ornament now no live stock anymore. And they switched to tractors with 3 point mowers.

[@br927]

I know all about this hay & weather business! What's the weather, 40% chance of rain- So that's 60% that it won't , mow hay down!! That's what an old guy told me lot's of times! BUT mostly if it's 40 you get a shower sometime or another!! How's the mats working? every time your working on the cutter bar, I say Fingers!!

[@duanebolen8359]

Yes an you always mow hay with the growing of the moon for more hay growth

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

The mat is working pretty well so far

[@sueupham2519]

Awesome job,,and great views,,,and fixed it like a pro

[@WhiteShouldersFarmstead]

Very much enjoy watching your videos.

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Glad to hear it

[@margaretporkolab7166]

I really enjoyed this video. Thank you.

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@judyengland2615]

Thanks for sharing

[@steveadams99708]

Another great video. Love the smell of new-mown hay. Have you ever considered a team of mules? Thanks for sharing - hope the weather holds.

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

No, I'm a horse man but Brenda is always trying to talk me into mules.

[@garyarmstrong4597]

...only thing that is missing is the smell of the new cut grass and also the drying out of the mowed grass. Just hope for your sake you wing it pass the weather. Btw yes there was too much wind to fly the drone. Cheers 🥂

[@jaredenders4981]

Excellent video very enjoyable.

[@fernlintner65]

Wonderful! Cant wait for the next!

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

More to come!

[@angiered4396]

Well in between pausing your videos im communicating with my young adult son about his very soon arrival of his son. There is truly zen/therapy/calmness that helps me simultaneously from your videos. Maybe someone needs to incorporate your videos into therapy ?????

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Glad it could help with distraction of a stressful time, been there, done that! Hope all is well with your family

[@megbirney8612]

That is such an illustration of how you are supposed to mow. Well done! I have to admit mowing machines scare me with the cutting blade right there. Not mention, I am a lousy mechanic and doing that repair would have taken me forever and no mowing would have been done that morning. Question do you have problems with biting flies as you work?

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Yes from time to time we have a lot of black flies. They haven't been too bad this year so far.

[@harvydeborahpyke615]

All went well despite having to stop for repairs, tomorrow is always another day.

[@1TsuNami]

Thank you for taking us along. All the camera work takes time out of your day, but we sure enjoy it. 💕. Do certain teams work better for different tools, or are they all pretty universal?

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

There are some horses that work better on some equipment, but they will all do the job.

[@kh2140]

How often do you have equipment breakdowns?

[@ericlakota6512]

Thats one of the great things of horse farming simple macheanery i live on a farm and havent ben in a field yet this year i spend all my time wrenching on broken stuff dad and workers destroy macheanery or its just stuff gets old and i half to rip the machean half apart for a 3$ seal

[@brucerushing2363]

Great job !🐴

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Thanks! 😊

[@AndyTheCornbread]

Man this was the year for breakdowns for us too. Everything from broken accumulators to busted shackles to you name it. We did get somewhere between 1,500 and 2,000 bales into the barns though in the end and I won't be doing more until Monday / Tuesday time frame and after that I will be done with grass hay for the horses for the year and only have cow hay left to do. What kind of hay are you putting up? Some of the pictures looked like maybe orchard grass but then some of the pictures looked leafier with taller thinner heads like maybe a smooth brome mixed in with the orchard grass? The field we just got hay from here was orchard grass, ryegrass, and fescue. The field we will do next week is orchard grass, timothy and smooth brome. Edited: because I forgot to ask, Do you have some kind of PTO fore cart to run a baler off a horse team or does somebody with a tractor help you with that part?

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Mostly Timothy, clover, June grass, Reed canary grass- a mixture, with others as well. I do have a forecart that I can use to bale with the horses, but most of the time I use the tractor. Happy haying!

[@steveporter3929]

What do you use for fly control (on the horses. Lol)when you are working your teams?

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

I have used different things, I don't have one particular brand

[@pamclift5446]

Do you gather all your needed hay? Or do you have to buy more?

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Yes we make all we need and sell quite a bit as well

[@warrenfromga9945]

Nice video Jim. What kind of grass is that? I don't think we have that in south GA.

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

it's a mixture of grasses, Timothy ,reed canary grass, June grass and native grasses

[@jasonbernique5884]

I was just wondering, what’s the purpose of the black squares beside the horses eyes. Great videos thanks

[@willbass2869]

Those are 'blinders' (or 'blinkers'). Piece of gear to obscure peripheral vision horse so they dont get spooked by something to the side. Many farmers don't utilize them, espec.on well worked teams.

[@mcrickyd32]

How is the horse stall mat working out?

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Pretty good so far

[@rodneyskinner7741]

New subscriber, enjoy your channel!

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Welcome to the channel

[@willbass2869]

Just wondering if you have considered running your cow herd through part of the hay field for a quick 'flash graze' so as to set back the growth just a little bit? That might help stagger growth so that not all hay ground needs to be mowed at same time. Granted, the hay on the grazed portion might be a little stemmy at a later date but you get a bit of safety. Kinda like your choice of early and late season corn. I don't know how long you keep the calves but if you sell at weaning you probably don't have as great a need for high quality (dairy) hay. Old brood cows can chew through some rougher hay. Has the quack grass bounced back from the cultivation?

[@jerryjarrell2373]

Jim do you ever take your horses to pulls I would love to watch a video of that I watch a lot on KZbin

[@russclark3666]

Jim, I may ask you a question question. Do you do prevention services on your quipment? I know you are very busy but would like to see you show us this

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Will keep that in mind

[@gunter446]

Afternoon Jim an family, always wondered where do you find all the gear for the horses, not sure what they call it, but all the leather straps an such for pulling?

[@duanebolen8359]

That’s called harnes

[@gunter446]

@@duanebolen8359 Thank you, been getting very forgetful in my old age. Seems I find myself struggling to remember things

[@duanebolen8359]

@@gunter446 that’s ok When I’m telling someone something I also forget things It’s hell getting old 👍

[@sueheaman7186]

@@duanebolen8359 I call it the “ Sometimers Disease”: sometimes you remember and sometimes you don’t 🤣🤠

[@duanebolen8359]

@@sueheaman7186 that’s for sure

[@gonzokompadre]

when I was a young pup we had a sickle bar mower on a 36 Farmall...the knives were attached to the bar with rivets...what a nightmare. (knives never break near the barn do they?)

[@anthonyvise6001]

just curious how you liked the balage last year ?? If my memory is correct your neighbor wrapped it

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

I liked it!

[@strawvillecabin7211]

Another big thumbs up. Awesome video

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Big thanks

[@arkiefyler]

Yeah, those GPS guided tractors are interesting, but not nearly as amazing has your horses!! It is obvious that you have their respect and trust! All of you seem to be well trained and make a great team! I was a bit concerned when you worked on that mower without turning off the "power"!! 😝

[@juliegoodge2680]

Wonderful 👍

[@steveporter3929]

I have only ever had Belgians. In your opinion, since you are experienced with both, what are the pros and cons of Belgians vs. Percherons? Strengths and weaknesses of both breeds.

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Good idea for a vid in the future!

[@ИсламХаджиев-ж5п]

👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@angiered4396]

How many acres do u take care of with the horses ???

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Around 150 acres

[@darrellblair1162]

jim can you tell me how much a two horse wagon cost

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

It's a homemade one, so I don't know.

[@battya0914]

Hi! how much can you mow with horses a day?

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

I'm not sure, I don't normally mow all day long

[@susanneericsson3871]

Did you see The mouse at 07 00! 😃

[@bobanmilosevic3897]

👍🙂

[@nathanburgess4928]

👍👍

[@gantengmubazir7954]

👍😉

[@cristicristian3390]

👍🐎

[@rcclassiccrawlers4368]

I bet that takes a bit of practice being able to steer those horses the way you want them to go.

[@brucerazor5202]

I ran heavy equipment my whole life and would trade it all for your piece and quit

[@yusufzandarov5123]

👍👍👍👍✋✋🇰🇿🇰🇿🇰🇿

[@TheBcrug]

Did not like finding the baby deer in the tall grass when mowing. They won't move a muscle.

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Yes, and it does happen unfortunately

[@robertdonaldson6584]

My late uncle lost one pinky finger.

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Sorry to hear that

[@swawwes]

Grüße an KZbin " Werbung = Daumen nach unten"