June 19th was a tough day for the Ellensburg Valley. We had all of our Orchardgrass hay down a received 2/10th of an inch of rain and a small dose Sunday morning; this is a lot of moisture on sensitive hay which was expensive an loss for us and most all of the other farmers. We are currently fluffing/tedding, baling, and getting the hay into our barns via the Harobed. The Valley is abuzz with activity with all farmers scrambling to get in this years crop.

Rain and hay

Rain and hay do not mix when we are trying to cut our first crop which is the majority of whatever money is in the hay business. This is because the first cutting is the “export” crop typically going overseas to various countries. We have gotten a couple light sprinkles but nothing serious……….yet. We will see what Thursday’s 20% chance of rain brings us. On the other hand the Grass Fed Angus cattle, Pastured Pigs, Pastured Chickens and Pastured Lambs are in heaven with the cooler temperatures.

Haying

Orchardgrass hay is on the ground!! We are hoping to avoid the potential showers due in the next two days; this is the critical time for the first cutting in dodging showers which substancially devalue the crop.