Recent periods of good weather have seen many farmers across the country taking the opportunity to save hay.
However, it was the traditional methods of preserving hay that attracted a crowd of locals and visitors of all ages to a farm in County Kerry this week.
Mike Flahive keeps a small herd of Kerry cattle, along with suckler cattle, on his land at the top of Bromore Cliffs, near Ballybunion.
Straw
For the past few years, Mike and his family have hosted a “Hay ‘N’ Tae” evening where people can see the hay winds piled in the fields.
“The goal is just to keep the tradition going and let the young audience know how it was done in the good old days,” Mike said. Agriland Wednesday night (July 8).
Regardless of technological advances, Mike pointed out that hay salvage is still at the mercy of the weather.
“We were trying to time it with the weather and it wasn’t easy. Even today it was difficult to go ahead or not.
“We cut it, circled it and paddled this afternoon. Thank God the skies cleared at the right time.
“Local people who used to make wind have joined here and helped me. Many visitors are happy to see how it is done,” he said.
Local piper Danny Houlihan was on hand to play a selection of songs as the large, sloping haystacks were tied up.
There was also plenty of tea, sweets and ‘crunchy bread’ baked by Mike’s daughter, Grace, also on offer that night.
Mike Flahive
Mike said the event brings back many memories of saving hay in his youth.
He noted that “in the old days” the row would often be turned by spear before the horse and mower arrived at the farm.
The straw car will be supported under the wind which will be lifted and transported to the shed.
“This was before there were machines and tractors and balers, and it was just a way to collect hay. The rain would fall on it, and now it wasn’t 100% waterproof, but it was pretty good.”
“It would probably be left out for a week or so to season and then moved to the shed. It had to be physically placed, lifted back into an open shed and a block made out of it,” he said.
Since hay keeping in the “good old days” was very labor intensive, it relied heavily on community cooperation or mithal.
“I remember very well all my neighbors coming. They all came, and when they were doing it we went with them. It was a tradition, and it was accepted.”
“Everyone was eager to salvage the hay before bad weather, if it happened,” Mike said.
farm
The farmer is no stranger to inviting visitors to his farm as he has granted public access to see the stunning 180ft Bromore Cliffs.
Mike also offers guided walking tours to share the rich history and culture of the area.
Bromore Cliffs in County Kerry
As part of his participation in the Agricultural and Climate Rural Environment (ACRES) program, Mike chose to conduct the Delayed Prairie Bounty
This means cutting hay or silage in some of his fields is restricted until July 1.
“From now on we will cut SilageWhat we do is round silage bales. “It’s useful for small farmers, it’s easy to maneuver in the winter and easy to put in place.”
The hay collected by the wind will also be brought to the cows.
“I’ll take him and put him in the feed lane. It may be September before they get to him.”
“They don’t realize the problems we’ve been through for the cows,” he said, laughing.
