Haying on the Edge

Our neighborhood is built on what used to be one of Purdue University's agricultural research farms. It is a huge tract of land that spans most of the distance between two roads, one on each side. But for some reason, a ten acre parcel on the east side of the neighborhood was whittled away and stands empty.

It is used as a hayfield. As you might imagine, I love having a hayfield in my neighborhood!

 When they are cutting the hay, the air smells so good, and I enjoy watching them cut, rake, and bale the hay.

 Sometimes they do rectangular bales and other times they put the hay into round bales.

Depending on what stage the hay is in, it's also a haven for wildlife - foxes, deer, geese, rabbits, and even hawks who prey on those animals. (A Cooper's Hawk spends a lot of winter days sitting on a speed limit sign next to the field, surveying for any movement that might lead to a meal.)

The farmer has just made his final cutting of the year and the hay has been raked into windrows in preparation for baling.

Rain is in the forecast soon. I wonder if he will try to beat it or wait a little longer for the hay to dry and cure?