Heading into Haying - Equipment and Tractors of the Ranch

[@toddbrewer8215]

I like the fact that you take time to do a little extra for each video. Like showing the old equipment, most would have just not bothered. Thanks.

[@OurWyomingLife]

I was thinking about that yesterday. I really had to pull an audible and change my game plan, probably for the better but just talking about haying to me would be somewhat boring. There is so much more to all we do, no matter what you do and the little things to me make it worth it. That old machine is sitting right next to a 80 acre hay field that takes forever to go around and everytime I drive by it, it makes me smile. I like sharing that. If that makes sense. Thanks Todd! - Mike

[@hellster1321]

I seriously don’t know how you guys don’t have more subscribers, you put out such great content. Much love from Australia

[@OurWyomingLife]

I think alot of it comes down to exposure but who knows. Thank you very much we love our Australian folks. You guys are always so encouraging! Thank you for that - Mike

[@Mary-had-a-lil-farm]

Interesting! Sheds light on those giant and mysterious pieces of farm equipment... well, for those of us that are not in the know. Thanks Mike!

[@nmelkhunter1]

Great overview Mike. I worked for a guy who baled his alfalfa in small bales and we had to load these by hand. When he expanded his haying operation he bought a New Holland bale stacker and I thought that was the neatest thing ever. He taught me how to use and I loved it!

[@OurWyomingLife]

Those are cool and sure to save on the back. Thanks - Mike

[@MountainHobbler]

I think I usually have the like button pushed before he even finishes his intro

[@toddbrewer8215]

me too.

[@sadie1333]

Bengals1us same

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thank you very much, thats very nice of you! - Mike

[@mattfencl3614]

Me too. Its now a game...Hit like before he says "Im Mike".

[@eliucazares9776]

Same for me

[@ProfessorKitchen]

"This is a scythe... cutting edge technology." I see what you did there.

[@OurWyomingLife]

haha, I was wondering if anyone would catch that! Erin just rolls her eyes - Mike

[@mattfencl3614]

Really? A wife rolling her eyes at her husband? I type that as my wife is rolling her eyes at me.

[@nmelkhunter1]

I too thought that was punny...Sorry, couldn’t resist!

[@BlueCactusDairyGoats]

Very sharp!

[@jerrybeaver9212]

Haying has come a long way in a hundred years, I wonder what the next hundred years will be like? Mowing grass with lasers?? One thing is for sure, those cows will still need to be fed. Mike, you have a monumental task getting all that hay cut,raked,baled,and stacked,(makes me tired just looking at how much must be done (not only that,but the high tunnel, and all the other chores,and 3 kids,WOW!!!) You and Erin have a hard job with all that needs done on the ranch, y'all have my respect, Blessings to the ranch buddy, tell Erin and the kids I said Hi. -Jerry

[@OurWyomingLife]

Erin and I were talking about that. The technology seemed to move so slow for years and years and now its changing almost everyday. I'm almost too busy to be tired really. I told the kids you said Hi and they got excited and wanted to ask you if you grow peaches. Mackenzie is learning about the states and was curious. Thanks Jerry - Mike

[@jerrybeaver9212]

Tell Mackenzie I don't have peach trees (I grow apple,pear,grapes and have a garden) they have growing requirements that would not let them grow well where I live in the mountains. Funny thing is Georgia is known as "The peach state" but in reality Georgia grows more peanuts,cotton,apples and those awesome sweet Vidalia onions (like the ones y'all were gifted ).I'd have to say South Carolina grows the most peach's in the south.Thanks for the question Mackenzie, I'm happy to answer any I can -Jerry

[@mikenicholson2548]

Mike I have been mowing hay like the for years drys quicker and if it does get rained on you don't have to go and turn widrows to dry it back out worst case you may have to teder it great to see people going back somewhat to the old ways. Keep up the good work

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thank you very much sir! - Mike

[@JesseHires]

You showed hay being raked and I started sneezing. I don’t miss bucking bails when I was a teenager.

[@OurWyomingLife]

I can imagine. It does get my allergies going too - Mike

[@jeanettewaverly2590]

Wow! What a great, informative video, Mike! I love learning about the history of things. Looking forward to this series of haying videos!

[@OurWyomingLife]

As am I should be fun. Thanks Jeanette -Mike

[@chrisluce712]

Loved the video today!!! Can't wait to see more.

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thank you. It was a quick audible but it should be worth it. -Mike

[@787Earl]

Thank you.Please stay safe.

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thank you Earl. - Mike

[@jrod264winmag]

You got a good clean arsenal of haying equipment.

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thank you Jess - MIke

[@jenhoney9741]

Thanks y'all. Enjoy your vids. I just bought my very own rotory mower. Yes. I'm disabled and had to find a reasonable solution. Haven't tried it out yet but she's a dandy looking thing.

[@jacksak]

In the 1950's I used a scythe to cut along fence lines. It was hot all day in the sun as I wished for any breeze to come along.

[@OurWyomingLife]

Oh my gosh. I bet you did. I debated sharpening one of ours and trying it but I never got around to it. Thanks -Mike

[@jacksak]

floatpool: "heavy log chains for windsocks", pretty funny, and I do hear Wyoming is windy. I'm in NH, been in Texas & all over the west coast, never Wyoming, but it's one of my most-liked states.

[@jacksak]

Maharaj of MGTOW: Thanks, I guess, but I don't feel that old. Maybe I'm lucky to still be physically working outside.

[@jacksak]

@Kaptain Kid Thanks for your comment. I never thought I'd become an "old timer", but time sure goes fast.

[@brianvaughn4528]

Great Video Mike. Where I'm at we usually get 2 cuttings in a year, this year was a great first cutting for us and we are out of room for storage of hay. No need to do a second unless I can come up with some more space. We use all antique equipment also which makes it just that much for fun (or a bigger headache when things don't go right).

[@OurWyomingLife]

That is cool, would love to see you operation. I guess not having enough space is kind of a good problem to have. Thanks Brian - Mike

[@trevoryoung4268]

Love you guys...cant wait to see this journey

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thanks, cant wait to get going - Mike

[@caseih-pz9vp]

Selling the swather was very smart. They cost a lot more to own and time in maintenance. If you have a breakdown that is not mower related it will shut you down. But with a pull type you just hook up a different tractor and go.

[@OurWyomingLife]

Very true. I've never had good luck with that swather at all. Tired of messing with it. Thanks -Mike

[@mattfencl3614]

OK, now I understand. Gotta admit seeing that sickle bar running a few inches above the ground would account for lots of accidents.

[@caseih-pz9vp]

I use a johm deere MOCO 530 with rubber rollers but I do not know what Wyoming hay is vs the Midwest.

[@generobben7290]

Great video, Mike. I have used a scythe, dump rake, side delivery rake, sickle mower and square baler. Needless to say, I'm old!!!! Take care, be safe.

[@OurWyomingLife]

As always, Erin would kick my butt if I got hurt. Thanks - Mike

[@harrisjuan1564]

Thank you Mike. Great video on Haying. We all look forward your videos.

[@OurWyomingLife]

Lots more to come, everytime I think I might run out, I turn around and theres more! - Mike

[@fionajane56]

I think the old cutter in the field was a binder for grain, not a straight mower. Your new mower is a fine machine. I remember helping my father with Kate and Polly and the dump rake. Dad had the Allis Chalmers baler👍🏼

[@OurWyomingLife]

You are correct, it does have a sickle on it, although it is buried in a few inches of dirt. I have never moved it to get a good look at it. Thanks Fiona - Mike

[@bcpfarmandtrucking6560]

Yup that time of the year... we r getting ready up here also

[@OurWyomingLife]

Even with all the rain we are still on that schedule as well. Thanks - Mike

[@jerrycoon4504]

Cool stuff. I love the old antique farm equipment. I think some of the technology they had back in the day was really cool. Today we consider it out dated, but the actual technology was and still is pretty amazing. Most times if you have a problem with it, you could repair it yourself, right out in the field. If it's mechanical and it's got gears it's cool. LOL!

[@OurWyomingLife]

You have something there, no computers to mess with, and if something broke you could fix it with a hammer and a few curse words! Thanks Jerry - Mike

[@beeffarmer8576]

That sickle mower is awesome!! I Still cut my hay with an ancient 7 foot cut sickle mower. Acre by slow acre get er done 👍🚜

[@OurWyomingLife]

It really helps, Gilbert loved the rowse mowers for the ease and simplicity of them. He was on to something there. Thanks - Mike

[@beeffarmer8576]

Our Wyoming Life I agree, there is something to be said for that. Best of luck this season.

[@shutthegate8232]

Thanks mate. Ripper vid. Good luck with the preparations. Cheers

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thank you very much - Mike

[@karengates8508]

Great video Mike 👍 Can’t wait to watch this series. Wish my family & I lived closer, as I truly would enjoy working on your ranch.

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thank you very much, it should be fun! - Mike

[@erxkeel]

Looking foward to the series.

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thank you very much and thanks for watching - Mike

[@kylebuchmann8585]

Thanks again Mike

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thank you Kyle - Mike

[@BillTheTractorMan]

Mike! The machine you were calling a mower actually looks like a grain binder. Grain binders were used before combined to make bundles of grain, the bundles were then stacked like teepees into what are called shocks. Shocks were later loaded onto wagons and brought to the threshing machine to separate the straw and grain. I could be wrong but over ran a couple binders in my life and it looks very similar. I have some pictures some where I could share with you.

[@OurWyomingLife]

I think you are right. I have been looking at that thing for years. Actually there are two of them and been looking for a manufacture name on it. It does look like it had a sickle but the base of it is pretty well buried in the soil and I have never moved either one. I would love to see some pictures, Thanks - Mike

[@tonythetigerman9113]

1930-- kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y6GTqp1racRgZ5Y 1920----- kzbin.info/www/bejne/nnfck3iYlrl1nqs

[@andrewmicas4327]

Yes its definitely a corn binder (UK refers to corn as wheat, oats and barley) we were using a tractor pulled version unit the 1960's. America/Canada shipped lots of those to the UK during the second world war. One model was named the Sunshine model not very apt coming to the Uk particularly in West Yorkshire. Massey Harris, Mc Cormac are names from my childhood. Love the knife mower still cuts lower than disc mower, but silage guy like a bit left on as it regrows quicker.

[@perch09letsgo81]

Our Wyoming Life can I have it

[@outcastprojects6733]

Looking forward to haying,and branding!

[@OurWyomingLife]

As am I. Can't wait to get into it. Thanks -Mike

[@sclivestock5943]

Another excellent video Mike. Best of luck on the haying hopefully you make more than u need. I wish Northern Alberta was closer, I would come work with you for the farming experience. Looking forward to your next video,Stay safe while working those long hours in the field.

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thank you very much Scott. Its always an adventure! - Mike

[@tracyjerred3384]

Very interesting. I'm looking forward to the other videos on haying.

[@mistynyberg2332]

Your Sunday video is my coffee companion. I was watching a video on the channel “The rest of the story” and he was “tedding” instead of raking. This was a new practice to me...not that I’m particularly well versed in hay production but I have spent my time in a few hay fields. I didn’t really understand the “why” of tedding vs raking.

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thats a good questions because I have never dealt with one either but had a few comments on them. As far as I can figure a tedder is used when fields are damp due to rain or high humidity, the use of a hay tedder helps the crop to dry out before being raked and baled. I hope that makes sense. Thanks Misty - Mike

[@mistynyberg2332]

Sounds like Wyoming will never ever need a Tedder :)

[@OurWyomingLife]

No doubt lol.

[@elijahcantin9076]

This was my first summer doing hay at a farm I work at

[@OurWyomingLife]

Awesome! Hope you liked it - Mike

[@mattfencl3614]

I laughed at the line about the Scythe- cutting edge technology! That was funny! Read all the comments and I guess only a few of us found it funny enough to comment!

[@OurWyomingLife]

Looks like it but hey, thats my job . :) Thanks Matt- Mike

[@mattfencl3614]

Im thinking when you make a bad joke you can insert a "rim shot" in there!

[@zacharycampbellgiffin2746]

the piece of equipment is an early mccormick reaper binder

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thank you very much and thanks for watching - Mike

[@TwoFarmBoys]

Great video! Good luck on getting your 500 tons of hay!

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thank you very much - Mike

[@texlanrabbits]

This is a good vlog... as an aussie i used to do this

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thank you very much, its all over the world :) - Mike

[@henryford4856]

Should be a good year for hay there with lots of rain you are getting . Anyway best of luck to you ,may the sun shine down!

[@OurWyomingLife]

Sun would be good now! Thank you very much - Mike

[@andrewterry8092]

Great history lesson, very professional as always, thank you!

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thank you and thanks for watching - Mike

[@jwhitley101whitleyfarms9]

The v rake is the best way to put hay in a windrow I have seen what my grandmother used and that was a long day along with tons of square bales laying every where in the barn now I run 10 mph raking and 8 baling

[@OurWyomingLife]

I agree, thanks for watching - Mike

[@FiremedicGross]

Great video very educational...Thanks for sharing and be safe

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thank you - Mike

[@albertrussell6546]

very nice video, good luck with haying and branding.

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thank you very much - Mike

[@salmonhunter7414]

My grandfather cut hay with the scythe. He use to contract him self out and got 2 cents an acre and was happy for it.

[@OurWyomingLife]

That is amazing. I wonder how long it took one person to cut an acre? Thanks for watching - Mike

[@goldfire1676]

Great video great history looking forward to the hay

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thank you very much - Mike

[@barrybeggs8543]

Hi Mike. I have used a sigh ,to cut weeds, used a 9 foot john deere hay moore,on a f-20 IH and a Oliver 88 std,which I still own. used a JD side delivery rake and used a small sq bailer.. That was back in the late 50's and 60's.That old piece oof equip.was a binder used to cut grain for thrething..Wisconsin Bear...

[@OurWyomingLife]

I agree we have had a number of people who recognized it. Its good to know what it is as there are two or three of them on the property all about the same age. Thanks - Mike

[@PAFarms]

I liked the overview of the equipment. I put one of those H&S wheel rakes together when I was at the equipment dealership. It made me wonder who would use such a wide rake around here, I guess they are perfect for the prairie.

[@OurWyomingLife]

Very true, the cover alot of ground fast. - Mike

[@rdekort9273]

Thanks for the axplanation 👍🏼

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thank you very much - Mike

[@ravenridgehomestead4596]

Love all your videos and your voice. Always good information

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thank you very much - Mike

[@dejanira2]

Cool video of some very interesting equipment and the reasons for use! 🙂🙂

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thanks for watching - Mike

[@williamdunn2525]

Great video Mike. Always love haying videos. Just be glad you have hay this year. Alot of alflafa operations around Wheatland and Cheyenne were hailed out unfortunately.

[@OurWyomingLife]

We are very thankful and we have been there for sure. Speaking of you should look up the storm that rolled through Midwest yesterday, crazy - Mike

[@franzjosephi.8692]

6:27 Thats my Tractor😍😍😍 Of cours I love yours to!

[@OurWyomingLife]

Awesome! - Mike

[@charleydan]

Oh, brings back memories. Granddad and I used the dump rake and pitch forked on wagon and slings to the barn. He struggled with change as I grew up. . Bless you gramps.

[@OurWyomingLife]

I can see that. Gilbert had trouble with it too. He hated the idea of a wheel rake, he loved the rowse mowers and he refused to help bale because of the stupid baling computer ( his words) Thank you very much Charley - Mike

[@atheanicholls2199]

Hi good afternoon Mike and Erin just got home saw the notification and was very happy, hi Mackenzie looking forward to seeing you and Bambi in one of the up coming videos happy Sunday everyone another great video Mike God bless and have a wonderful weekend 👋 bye 🐂🐂🐂🐂

[@OurWyomingLife]

Yeah, gonna have to work them in soon. Thanks Athea - Mike

[@atheanicholls2199]

Our Wyoming Life you're welcome 🐂🐂🐂

[@coryarcher1766]

Keep up the great videos. As I was driving through WY the other day I was thinking of you and your family also guy in wy hope all is well and keep up the great work

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thank you very much Cory - Mike

[@jakeboss6342]

Hey Mike, as a reminder, it would be nice to see a video of loading the netting/string into the hay baler, (if its not too late)

[@OurWyomingLife]

Very nice idea, my plan is to be able to go through each implement pretty well. Thanks - Mike

[@pcsweeney3898]

Hi Mike, Getting ready here in central Ohio to bale too. Lots of rain so far. Hopefully this week we can get some knocked out. PC

[@OurWyomingLife]

Just have to get it done as we can, thanks - Mike

[@farmingnodak]

Good ol rowse equipment.

[@OurWyomingLife]

Some good stuff. Thanks - Mike

[@kaycox5555]

Fascinating history, thanks.

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thank you very much -Mike

[@caolanmurphy8475]

Another great video Mike!

[@floydfarms1578]

Love sickle mowers, simple to work on and if you have one of the popular brands easy to get parts for. Like our New Holland 451 9' sickle, which I'm in the process of rebuilding our spare one.

[@dbruns9340]

As always great video

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thank you very much - Mike

[@cathymacdonald1789]

Love the old dump rake. Never remove it from the farm.

[@AnthonyCNez]

Good morning..Mike...Good Luck

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thank you very much -Mike

[@Dinoxt12]

About time you got the cobwebs out off that fine 4055 and put it to work.

[@OurWyomingLife]

It works all summer long. Thanks - Mike

[@Sayanbaetov]

All this tractors help you production hay for alone? I have never seen anybody to help ) thank you, create video!

[@OurWyomingLife]

Yes, Erin will come out and give me a hand when she can but for the most part I am all over, switching tractors and moving around. Thanks Sayan - Mike

[@banjobenson9348]

I have never seen a double cycle mower before , we had a single John deer on the farm for years.

[@OurWyomingLife]

Its pretty slick, cant wait to get out and use it Thanks - Mike

[@davidsmith3828]

Thanks! Great video!

[@frankirwin2377]

AC was what type of breeze happened to be blowing. And winter time was what type heat you got from long johns. And the choice was one tractor and a team of mules on the wagon. Good luck on your hay season. Generally windrows needed a good week for moisture to drop. Sure didn't want to pick it up early.

[@terrybruce5923]

Hi Mike...I noticed that the Rancher put a couple of rounds through that old horse drawn gear...guess he wanted to really put it our of his misery :) I haven't done any bailing since I was a kid...I will have to send you an email...be a great run from Texas up to Wyoming. I work for food :) Haha...Terry

[@mattfencl3614]

I saw that too!

[@OurWyomingLife]

He may just have taken a couple of pot shots at it. I know I didnt do it. Feel free to shoot that email! Thanks Terry - Mike

[@theresathreadgill1386]

Thanks for an interesting vlog!

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thank you for watching -Mike

[@HNCahoon]

I hope you harvest 500 bales. I'm looking forward to more informative videos. Thank you.

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thank you Hugh ! - Mike

[@younggunfarmer416]

Its funny how you talked about buying things out of frustration. That is the reason I bought my v rake. You get tied of the bar rake pretty quick on large acreage.

[@OurWyomingLife]

I've never used a bar rake. Do they work better with more grass on the ground? Thanks -Mike

[@toskababar7088]

hi i'm finish haying today good bravery for you

[@GerraldFarms]

Good info, thanks for sharing👍🏻

[@reinhardgeissler7486]

Hello Mike, maybe the hay is swathed across the hillside, so that the freshly pressed hay bale doesn't roll down the road again. Greeting from Germany, Reinhard

[@bettykuykendall2083]

AWESOME BLOSSOM🙃😣

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thank you Betty - Mike

[@chadhazekamp6952]

Good job Mike . I've heard people refer to those allis Chalmers round bales as cigarette machine s because of the small bales

[@OurWyomingLife]

That makes sense, I bet people thought it was a odd little machine. Thanks - Mike

[@SWDesert1535]

When I was a young girl, we would stack loose hay in a very large pile in the middle of the top floor of the barn. Haying was a lot of work but so much fun. Riding on top of the hay on the hay wagon and drinking ice cold lemonade. No AC. But as the old saying goes, you don’t miss what you never had. In the fall, a lot of church outings for the youth was hay rides drawn by horses. I think it was more fun growing up without all this technology. People had more time for friendships and children had a lot more imagination. I tried to share some of my experiences with my great grandchildren and I got that “deer in the headlights” look from them. They didn’t have a clue what I was talking about. Now days, it’s all about bigger and better “toys”, regardless of a persons age or gender. Kinda sad. But it is what it is and I sure can’t say I don’t enjoy some of this technology, but I don’t have much of it. I wouldn’t even have this smart phone if my grandson didn’t insist so he wouldn’t worry about me breaking down on the highway. I still don’t have a computer, (but I do know how to use one), I don’t watch tv, (no time for that nonsense.) Nor do I have a microwave. However, I do enjoy my children’s boats and jet skies and all the other lake toys they have. Lol! I wish I was younger so I could come up and help you, but I’ll be thinking and praying for you and everyone helping you. Be very careful around those big machines. As you are aware, I’m sure, they can be very dangerous. Shalom.

[@OurWyomingLife]

I can see how without the tech the farming communities really had to rally together. Barn raisings, harvest all the things that took an army. Might be where the saying "it takes a village" came from. Thank you very much - Mike

[@SWDesert1535]

Our Wyoming Life I’m probably taking up way too much of your time, but a have a funny story to tell you: My middle daughter and her husband were visiting one day and he wanted to heat something up in my microwave. I told him that he would have to do it the old-fashion way since I didn’t have one. My exact words were, “Us folks who live in the country done have Microwave!” Awhile later we were all down at the lake, everyone with their RV, boats, etc.. so it happened that I wanted to heat something up and my son-in-law said to me, “Us city folks, when we’re in the country, we have microwaves!” We still laugh about that!

[@jeanettewaverly2590]

My son finally got fed up with me and bought me a microwave, lol.

[@EricBishop_]

Wow farming back in the day had to have been insanely tough. Hahha

[@OurWyomingLife]

No doubt. But labor was a lot more abundant. You could have quite a team. Thanks -Mike

[@mrtheguzzomanshouldknow5853]

nice farm

[@joanneganon7157]

Hi Mike, in VT what you call raking is called teting is that the same thing? I just recognize the wheels. Stay out of the hot sun lol that's right you have AC.

[@OurWyomingLife]

Interesting. I have heard of tedding which is used to help hay dry, a problem we dont really have here :) Thanks - Mike

[@lifeoutdoorseveryday1682]

My uncle lost his arm in an auger on a small square baler, after it jammed up. Make sure to turn the PTO off before servicing; it's a lesson you won't forgot...

[@OurWyomingLife]

For sure. Our rule is that you shut off the machine before you get out. Sorry to hear about your uncle. Thanks for the lesson. -Mike

[@arnorhermannsson5493]

few questions. why don't you use disk mower? and mow 50% faster. why don't you turn the grass on the field? dries better. And why don't you wrap your bales into plastick? better storage. best regards from iceland :)

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thanks for watching. We dont have a disc mower and the ground speed definitely depends on ground condition. lol We dont have drying issues, it is dry here normally we can bale the day after cutting and be at less that 16% moisture. We dont wrap bales because we dont have to deal with wet hay or moisture problems. Thanks again. - Mike

[@kenanibranovic6602]

Old good days cutting mow bale

[@garydthim2573]

that is a binder yes i have used onei

[@tonyburelle6633]

I'll be honest, I didn't realize a each would use a cutterbar, much less two in tandem, I'm sure there's less maintenance than a swather/ mower conditioner, the hay dries fast enough without tedding?, I can't wait to see your process should be interesting and different,

[@tonyburelle6633]

A ranch

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thank you Tony, - Mike

[@rnull2237]

Hey Mike, thumbing through KZbin and seen this, I've missed seeing your daily blogs, what did I miss? It's Wednesday night haven't seen any posts from you. #MissingWyominginFlorida

[@brettoberry3586]

HAY!

[@OurWyomingLife]

hahah Thanks Brett - Mike

[@pieterhamelink5422]

How long do you normally need to leave the grass to dry? Here in scotland we've had a good dry spell so we cut on friday, use a tedder to turn the grass every day until hopefully tuesday its dey enough to bale. Usually we would make haylage which is hopefully what we can make in the other fields

[@OurWyomingLife]

Doesnt take long to dry here at all. Usually I can cut it one day and rake and bale the next at around 14% moisture level. Thanks Pieter - Mike

[@jamesball1136]

Hey Mike if I was in better shape I would definitely come and help out on the ranch

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thank you James, I know you would - Mike

[@jamesball1136]

Our Wyoming Life I grew up working on both a beef farm and a dairy farm when I became an adult I volunteer as a firefighter for six years until injuries got the best of me and I'm now in a wheelchair and a little over weight but watching your videos along with other ranchers and farmers on KZbin helps giving me the motivation to get back in shape to hopefully work on a ranch or farm again god bless you and your family and keep up the great work

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thank you very much. We are very happy to give you that escape and motivation! Thank you! -Mike

[@loriehabel1552]

I would love to be your ranch hand and work with Erin aswell. Maybe one day.

[@OurWyomingLife]

That would work. Thanks Lorie -Mike

[@ICOWBOYIM]

Mike, that's an impressive line of machinery ! How do you sustain/maintain your grasslands? Do you burn, seed, fertalize or anything? 🤠

[@OurWyomingLife]

Not much fertilizing going on up here besides spreading manure. Burning is tricky with the winds so you dont see much of that either unless mother nature starts it. We did reseed a couple of years ago Thanks Rich - Mike

[@ICOWBOYIM]

The reason I ask, is that I saw on T.V. the Drummon Ranch in Oklahoma, i.r. Pioneer Woman, burning their grass lands at that start of spring very year. I was wondering if that's a common practice or not. I wonder why they find a need to do that with all the hazards & ect.........?🤠

[@JussiValkila]

We are going to make hay also.

[@OurWyomingLife]

Awesome. Good luck ! -Mike

[@frankmetcalf9595]

Those of us who grew up on Midwestern dairy country with lush alfalfa don't appreciate the challenge of harvesting more sparse grassland forage. Thanks.

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thank you Frank - Mike

[@brentfarrow8125]

Morning Mike,I’d sure love to come and help you with haying but Florida is a long way from you to drive each day and be there by 6 each morning. You were experimenting with a sprinkle system,how did that turn out. Happy haying always enjoy your videos.😎

[@OurWyomingLife]

That would be a commute. I need a remote control system lol. Actually with all the rain I ended up shutting it down. But there is a difference even with the little bit we got on it first. Thanks-Mike

[@Gothic_rose_41]

I bet you don't have bails roll away from you and unravel out there, do you? 😄 we have that problem in the VT hills. 😉

[@OurWyomingLife]

We still get run away bales occasionally. Mostly when I'm not paying attention to how I am sitting when ejecting a bale :) Thanks Melissa - Mike

[@joenadeau4419]

Question: You mentioned in another video that you only get one cutting so why not wait until later in the season, wouldn't you get more hay that way? We are currently cutting in New England but the fields will have time to regenerate. Great channel, I really enjoy your presentations. Joe

[@OurWyomingLife]

The problem with that is that it will get way too dry. Rain shuts off about the beginning of July and really dry hay will just crumble in the baler. Thanks -Mike

[@joenadeau4419]

Makes sense , thanks for responding, I didnt realize it got so dry this early.

[@nashguy207]

Great video mike. Will it take you longer to cut the hay with the sickle bar mower than it did with the swather mower. Also how many calves di9d you end up with total this year. Have a great day. God Bless!!!

[@mattfencl3614]

With my luck Id have several bales with red stains and animal parts visible.

[@OurWyomingLife]

Actually the sickle mower is wider than the swather, but the swather lays it out in the windrow so its a bit of a trade off. We ended up with calves right where we needed to be at that 150 mark, Thanks - Mike

[@sadie1333]

I have 3 calfs know two bulls black and a ginger red and one heifer white with tan spots

[@OurWyomingLife]

Very cool. Thanks Sadie - Mike