27 August 2007
Field Margins
Posted by Kate under: Hay; Smallholding .
Thought I’d mention a few things as not a proper farmers wife, our hay yield was affected quite severely by a good 12 feet (more in some places) of badly managed field margin (And I do mean badly managed, not just fallow for wildlife). Overhanging tree branches, half buried wire, old fence and some serious weeds made it either impossible or just not worth cutting. We did spend a great deal of time and effort keeping the main hay acre clear of docks, thistles and nettles etc, but in hindsight, not enough effort as that 12 foot margin has cost us some 20 to 30 bales, not to mention a lot more work.
Needless to say we are now closing the gate after the horse has bolted and taking back the overhanging trees, slashing the weeds and clearing the general debris etc.