Small Bale Hay in Okanogan Highlands, Washington

Ranch & Farm > Hay

Hay stack with Eden Valley Lodge behind Grass and alfalfa-grass hay are grown here in the Okanogan Highlands of north central Washington. At our ranch, we put up hay in small rectangular two-string bales weighing between 50 and 80 pounds depending on the location, type of hay and quality of the hay. In the fields below the cabins and Lodge we grow Piute Orchard grass and Ladak alfalfa which has is a drought tolerant, winter hardy variety that has been available since 1906, one more element of our living history.

Growing Hay in Okanogan Highlands near Oroville and Tonasket, Washington

Growing Hay in Okanogan Highlands near Oroville and Tonasket, Washington has challenges caused by weather, climate, wildlife, and economy. Our alfalfa-grass hay is irrigated and the grass hay is dry-land.

Hay Production Risks in Okanogan Highlands near Oroville and Tonasket, Washington

Growing hay, especially in the Okanogan Highlands near Oroville and Tonasket, Washington has many risks.

Irrigation Hand-lines at Okanogn Highlands Ranch near Oroville and Tonasket, Washington

The alfalfa-grass hay at our ranch in the Okanogan Highlands near Oroville and Tonasket, Washington is irrigated with a hand-line system developed circa 1970 by Robin's parents.

Swathing Hay at Ranch near Oroville and Tonasket, Washington

Our ranch and resort are in the Okanogan Highlands near Oroville and Tonasket, Washington. Hay is cut by a swather with a sickle that moves about two inches so quickly side to side it is a blur to see. Swathers are either pulled by a tractor like ours, or they are self propelled with their own engine.

Baling Hay at Ranch near Oroville and Tonasket, Washington

We use a small bale (circa 1970's) New Holland baler which is pulled behind a tractor and runs off the tractor's PTO. Our ranch and resort are in the Okanogan Highlands near Oroville and Tonasket, Washington.

Hauling & Stacking Hay at Ranch near Oroville and Tonasket, Washington

Historically, our equipment used to haul and stack hay included a 1947 John Deere "G" with an 8-bale grapple, a flat bed trailer pulled by a one-ton pick-up and a hay elevator in the large hay shed. The "G" was replaced this year with a John Deere 6115D. We respect and like the "G", but not having power steering was brutal punishment to the driver. Naturally, we are really excited to have El Venado as our new addition. Our ranch and resort are in the Okanogan Highlands near Oroville and Tonasket, Washington.

Eden Valley Guest Ranch.