Photo Story

Every spring, across the state of Oregon, a little sprout of grass hay begins its final stage of growing and shortly after will be cut. Farmers like Dan Hatfield, rely on the hay that they grow each year, and without it may have no way to feed their cattle. After growing for about 2 months, with constant water and tending from the farmers, it becomes ready to cut and harvest. When it is finally ready to be cut, farmers begin a week long process consisting of cutting, swathing, and bailing, which then can be stored in barns.
 A large grass hay field grows outside of Burns, Oregon. This grass hay is just two weeks away from being ready to harvest.

The first stage in growing a healthy crop of hay, is everyday watering and monitoring by the farmers. Making sure that the water levels are consistent with the grasses growth.

Dan Hatfield begins the first stage of harvest, by cutting and then swathing the hay so that it can be prepared for bailing.

Reliable equipment is a must when it comes to cutting, swathing, and bailing hay, having a savy mechanic on hand always helps as well.

Dan Hatfield is followed by his daughter, Kelsey Hatfield, who is bailing the hay so that it can be brought in and stacked for the feeding of their cattle.