1

A Team of Horses and a Mower
1910
A field near Avonlea, Saskatchewan, Canada

2

Mowing Hay

In a horse drawn sickle mower, the ground-driven wheel provided the power to move the knives back and forth. The cut hay lay flat on the ground to dry to prevent it from spoiling.

3

Haying in 'The Flats'
1927
A field near Avonlea, Saskatchewan, Canada

4

Hay could be stored in the field by pulling it up into a stack. This prevented spoilage and preserved the nutrients. The farmer could then take it home and replenish his supply in the hay loft.

5

A Sling Pulling Hay Up Into The Loft
1925
A farm near Avonlea, Saskatchewan, Canada

6

The Hay Loft

Hay was stored in the loft of the barn. A sling was lowered, where it was filled by pitchfork from the wagon. The load of hay was pulled up by ropes and pulleys and pulled along a track to where it would be deposited. The stored hay was fed to the livestock during the winter when snow covered the prairie.