This historic haymaking technique involves gathering freshly cut or partially cured sheaves of seed-hay and building them into compact, conical stacks. Farmers use this method when bad weather threatens the crop before it can be fully dried and stored in a barn. The tight arrangement sheds rainwater outward, preventing the seeds from rotting or sprouting prematurely in the field.
Heard on the job
Looks like rain is blowing in over the ridge, so we better storm the rest of this hay before supper or we'll lose the seed.
Insider tip
Tractor-driven balers and silage wrappers have largely replaced this labor-intensive method. It requires precise stacking to ensure the outer sheaves effectively shed water without collapsing.