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Many people are familiar with the use of power harrows for market gardens. These machines are perfect for seedbed preparation and weed control. However, their design makes them perfect for other jobs as well–on the small farm and beyond. First, let’s look at the design of a power harrow. A power harrow has a series of vertical tines connected to horizontal axes. As these axes turn, they till the soil to an adjustable level. A mesh roller follows these axes further tamping the soil a …

You own a small farm with a few animals. You’ve decided you want to make your own hay. Maybe you’re tired of paying high prices for hay. Maybe you’re constantly disappointed by the quality of hay available. Maybe you’re fed up with the contract hay baler who doesn’t think your hay field is a priority. Ultimately, you don’t want to depend upon others for quality hay to feed your animals. You know you can do better but you’ve got a small tractor, and ever …

In a recent blog post we shared some tips for decreasing moisture levels in baled hay. Probably the most effective tip given was to prevent high moisture levels before even baling. One way to do this is with the use of a tedder. Here at Tractor Tools Direct we are often asked what a tedder is and why someone would need one. This blog will address these questions. “A tedder is an implement that is used to fluff and spread hay to decrease drying time.” A tedder is an implement that is …

With December and the holidays in full swing, pine trees are on many people’s minds. Therefore, it seems to be an appropriate time to discuss an alternative use for pine trees. Many may not realize it, but the southeastern United States is home to countless acres of pine tree forests which are managed not only for their timber, but also for their needles. Even evergreen trees such as pines go through an annual shed. These shed needles are then baled and marketed for many uses including la …

Last month we discussed how to calculate winter hay needs. Besides the fear of not having enough hay in the barn for winter, probably one of the next greatest fears for those dealing with forage is barn fire caused by improperly stored, excessively moist hay. It seems improbable that something as inanimate as hay can simply combust, but hay is anything but inanimate. Within the depths of a bale, particularly a bale that has been harvested when too moist, fungal and bacterial microorganisms grow …