Eden Valley Guest Ranch.

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.

As the hay is cut, it is moved to the center of the machine by a large auger.  The fresh cut hay is then squeezed though a top and bottom roller to break cells and allow faster drying.  The row of hay comes out of the center back of the swather and is called a windrow.

Hay producers monitor and utilize many weather reports to cut and bale in dry weather.  It is important to get the hay baled and under a roof as soon as possible to maintain high nutrient value.