Good Hay, Baler Trouble, and a Helping Hand

We’re typically harvesting soybeans on October 1. This year, we were making hay. At least, we tried to make hay.

This was our last cutting, and it was really good hay. We wanted to make small square bales instead of our now-typical round bales, but our square baler would tie several good bales, then miss a knot. After trying to make it work for several hours, we threw up the white flag.

My cousin saved the hay by round baling it before the recent rains. Sam Graber, a local Amish man with over 50 years of baler repair experience, got the square baler straightened out. He sharpened the twine knife and adjusted the needle closer to the twine disc. Twenty minutes with someone who knows balers made all the difference.

Thank you to both for helping us get the job done. We’re fortunate to have family willing to lend a hand and local people with the experience to keep our equipment working.

Now, back to getting ready for harvest.