Harvesting the Alfalfa

They're baaaaack!

The monster has returned, to take the alfalfa from the field north of the house. You probably think I'm obsessed with this huge machinery, but it's not only that it does incredible work, but it also does it SO FAST.

So, here's a series of photos that show a couple different operations: The first series shows the alfalfa being cut and crushed (maybe?)

Then the alfalfa is left to dry on the field. After a couple nice sunny, breezy days, they came back again, this time with a couple different outfits: one to merge the rows and another to blow the alfalfa into trucks. This process is so fast, that if I don't hurry up, I can miss it!

Cutting the alfalfa

They cut it before it flowers, 

when its protein levels are highest

So you can see the difference between the cut and the uncut

The alfalfa looks great this year!

After cutting. The cut alfalfa drying

After a couple days of drying

the merger shows up

Think of the music from 'Jaws.'

The operators don't even have time to be annoyed with the lady taking photos. They're so busy operating this equipment, lifting and lowering the arms, etc. (or whatever they're called)

I didn't get a photo of the alfalfa being blown into the trucks, because I was sure I already had it in my photo files. I don't think filing is my strong suit. I would have thought that the word 'alfalfa' would have been in the file name, but who knows...

After a good rain yesterday, the field is ready to grow another crop.

I love the look of the cut field. And honestly, I love the look of that field just about any time!

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If they'd been thinking, they could have just bought each of the cows one of these!

***

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Cutting the Alfalfa Field

The alfalfa, waiting and more-than ready

Looking Beautiful

Trrrrrrract-tah!

When we got home yesterday, this monster tractor was sitting at the edge of the alfalfa field. I couldn't resist getting a few photos. This thing is crazy big (and expensive). And boy, can it cut alfalfa fast! I think the attached piece of equipment is a disc mower. I looked up Fendt on Google images and this is what I came up with. If you happen to know that's wrong, please correct me.

The Work Beast

...and that is not a reference to the woman who was driving the tractor. I'm sure she would be happy to know that the sunshine blocked her from the photograph, but you can see the little girl riding in the jump seat (or training seat, I guess). Those in my generation who grew up on a farm are always amazed at how different it is now. I mean, cutting an alfalfa field may have meant an entire afternoon. This field is done licketysplit. (oh c'mon spellcheck!!) Anyway, it's very fast, and I wouldn't want to be a rabbit or mouse out in the field when that thing comes along.

Just past the end of the vegetable garden

All done. The alfalfa after it's been cut.

Bridger and Misty...looking for Tasty Treats,

a.k.a. Collateral Damage

...on the lookout...

Misty, wondering where I am

***

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