Grab an eight-pack

Grab an eight-pack Small, rectangular hay bales still have their place today, as do the labour saving devices used to bring them in from the field, says Kevin Alviti

- Kevin Alviti

Small bales seem to be the thing that childhood memories are made of in the countryside. What former youthful rural resident can’t recall stacking them under a blue sky and blazing sun, and then riding on the top of several layers on the trailer as they were driven back to the farm in the days pre Health & Safety.

Although supersized square or round bales are more popular today, there are many who still prefer the smaller rectangular ones. These can be carried easily, stacked into odd-shaped, old fashioned barns, and given to livestock by hand — no major machinery required. They are often favoured by the smallholder or the equine market.

The invention of baling machines was a huge leap forward in labour reduction. However, the mechanisation of the handling of them was equally important and it didn’t lag far behind.