Gathering hay

haying, making hay — Gathering hay. © Bruce Stambaugh 2015

I was on another assignment when I saw this scene recently. I lowered the window of my vehicle and took the photo. It’s the iconic image of Amish gathering hay that most folks envision. The truth is, the way Amish farm has changed drastically in recent years. Most mainline Amish bale hay, either in rectangular bales or big round bales. Only the most conservative of the sect, the Swartzentrubers and those who belong to the Dan Church, continue to use the method pictured to gather hay.

I especially liked that the grandchildren were driving the team of horses while Grandpa properly balanced the huge stack of loose hay.

“Gathering hay” is my Photo of the Week.

Author: Bruce Stambaugh

Writer, marketer, columnist, author, photographer, birder, walker, hiker, husband, father, grandfather, brother, son, township trustee, converted Anabaptist, community activist, my life is crammed with all things people and nature and wonder. My late father gave me this penchant for giving and getting the most out of life, my late mother the courtesy, kindness, and creativity to see the joy in life. They both taught me to cherish the people I am with. I try and fail and try again. View all posts by Bruce Stambaugh

4 thoughts on “Gathering hay”

That evokes some deep seated memories for me, Bruce! My dad made hay that way many, many years ago. That team even resembles the one he had. We had great fun (and fear!) swinging on the lift/pulley system anchored in the top of the barn and used to transfer the hay from the wagon into the mow. The switch to a new fangled baler changed everything. But the swing remained in service. Delightful trip down memory lane!

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Bruce Stambaugh says:

July 2, 2015 at 3:07 pm

Thanks, Ava. I’m glad it brought those good memories for you.
Bruce

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I remember doing that many, many years ago. Great fun. I was glad to see the reflector lights and orange triangles on the backs of those buggies. The Amish in our area also use both, but the group in a nearby community only use small strips of gray reflector tape .. too many accidents. So sad.

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