This video journal documents a farmer's spring and summer activities, focusing on corn cultivation and hay baling. From the initial planting of corn seeds in May, viewers witness the careful process of weed management, utilizing smaller tires to protect delicate seedlings and employing strategically diagonal rows for efficient equipment operation. The journey showcases the challenges and rewards of farming, highlighting the meticulous attention to detail required for successful crop production.The summer months bring a shift towards hay baling, a significant undertaking involving specialized machinery like the Wood Terminager, Xon, and Grand baler. The video also features wood chipping operations and insightful comparisons of different weed control techniques, including the use of rotary hoes and traditional methods. The farmer's dedication to efficiency and careful planning is apparent throughout, culminating in a successful harvest and insightful reflections on the season's successes and challenges.
Pros And Cons
- Creates less waste
- Easier to handle bales in winter
- Can be loud
- Used for soil cultivation
- Used for weed suppression
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Early Spring: Corn Planting and Weed Management
The spring season began with the May update, showing the corn just starting to sprout. Initial growth was slow, barely visible above the surface. By this point, the corn had reached its intended 5cm height, with small shoots emerging.
Weed management was a key focus, ensuring sufficient weeds were available for various plots. A planned reduction in tire size (48 instead of 5-inch) led to careful and slow field work to avoid damaging the young plants.
The planting process resulted in slightly diagonal seed rows. This approach aimed to ensure that each row was targeted precisely during subsequent passes with farm equipment, minimizing damage.
Summer Work: Wood Chipping and Hay Baling
Summer activities included wood chipping and transporting wood with a tipper through the woods. The farmer mentioned a future wood chipping video, explaining a delay due to scheduling.
Hay baling was also a major focus, with the farmer detailing the process of using various pieces of equipment: the Wood Terminager, the Xon, and a Grand baler. This was a lengthy process expected to extend into autumn.
The farmer highlighted the use of a feeder and ejector mechanism in the baling process, emphasizing the efficient and careful approach to handle the work.
Late Summer: Corn Growth and Harvest Preparations
By late summer, corn growth had progressed significantly, reaching the three-blade stage. Rows were clearly visible, with 75cm row spacing. The farmer assessed the growth and weed control in various plots.
The farmer described leaving out certain sections during harrowing, intentionally creating zero plots for comparison to assess weed control methods. This involved analyzing the effectiveness of different weed control methods like rotary hoes.
The farmer plans to use different soil cultivation and weed suppression techniques, testing rotary hoes and normal hoes on different plots, observing the results, and determining economic viability of each approach.
Harvest: Baling and Storage
Harvest involved baling hay and silage. The farmer commented on the improved efficiency of the current baling process compared to previous years.
The process included using a press and the importance of creating high-quality bales. Wrapping bales in film reduces waste and improves handling during winter storage.
The weather played a significant role in the harvest process, impacting the schedule and influencing the choice of baling methods. The farmer also expressed concern about potential unwanted visitors to his farm.
Conclusion: Reflections on the Season
The video concludes with a review of the season's progress, noting the successful corn growth and harvest. The farmer's careful methods in planting and weed control proved efficient.
The use of modern equipment and techniques improved overall efficiency and reduced waste during the harvesting process. The farmer highlights the importance of planning and adapting to changing weather conditions.
The farmer emphasizes respect for his privacy and asks viewers to be considerate when visiting his farm, suggesting contacting him beforehand to schedule visits.