I was sitting in my office stewing because I couldn’t go out and say hi to David Weeks and look at the beautiful hay he grows.
He was in the barn stacking the first 30 bales of hay I ordered for the winter when I heard the donkeys braying like made.
They love David and anyone who shows up with a truckload of hay. Then I woke up out of my fog. Of course, I could go out and say hello to David and look at our hay.
I just had to take some precautions.
(David has devoted his life to experimenting with nutritious hay; it has paid off.”
I had to wear a mask and keep away from him, which would be perfectly safe. So I went out to the edge of the barn about 10 feet from David. We were delighted to see and talk for 10 or 15 minutes.
The hay is fantastic, green, fresh and full of moisture and vitamins. I love to talk fodder with David; he has devoted his life to growing grass and studying it.
The donkeys were braying loudly at the sight of David and his truck; they remember it well.
We’re getting 30 more bales of first cut hay in two weeks, plus ten bales of second cut hay.
All we need to do for winter is to clean the wood stove pipes and chimneys. We’re ready for winter.
I’m glad I got outside to see David and the hay. It was bugging me that I couldn’t say hello. This is one of my favorite rituals on the farm.
David and I have a lot to talk about when we meet. I look forward to seeing him again; we plan to get together. I love seeing hay fill up the barn. We prepare for winter all year here.
The donkeys get a preview of their winter hay, one reason they are so pleased to see David and his truck.
We toss a few pitchforks of the new grass over to them. They appreciate it. David is a fascinating person; he’s devoted his life to hay and the nutrients that keep animals healthy. I want to know more about his research.
Jon, How does the hay stay fresh until it is used (doesn’t it get stale?), also, what about mice or rats ( I know you have the barncats ) but i would think mice would slip in and eat the hay. That hayman Mr. Weeks is really something.
Eileen, the hay stays fresh for up to two years if properly stored. Mice sometimes nest in the hay (not avoidable) but don’t eat it. The barn cats keep them away, even in their old age. The hay is cleaner and more nutritious than almost anything the animals might find on the ground, especially in winter.
When hay gets old or moldy, it is obvious, and we get rid of it. We keep the hay up on wooden platforms and off the ground. We keep space between bales for ventilation and rain doesn’t penetrate the barn. You can always tell when hay is good by the enthusiasm the animals have for it, and our animals love our hay, especially since David has worked so hard to make it healthy.
That is a wonderful answer.
I’m glad you went out and visited with David! Very *healing* for you both, I’m sure. I’m also stunned at the cost of your hay- it seems very reasonable to me. In Calif. we don’t get the amount of rain you do, so hay costs are always higher…..but 7 years ago before we *re-homed* our two donkeys……I was paying $14.00 per bale THEN, I can’t imagine what the cost would be now. You are well on your way to being set for winter!
Susan M
Jon,
What kind of hay is it?
Looks excellent.
I can smell it over here….in the PNW.