Haying is the most intense week of the year. Need three dry days straight: day one — cut, day two — dry, day three — barn it. If it rains — hay rots. Cow hungry in winter. Farm — at a loss.
Process
Horse-drawn mower (not electric — mechanical, powered by wheels). Tedder flips hay. Baler (also horse-powered) forms bales. Bales onto wagon — into barn — up to hayloft.
Everyone Works
Haying is a community effort. Neighbors help. 10-15 men, women cook lunch (meat, potatoes, pies — 5,000 calories per worker). Children carry water. By evening — everyone soaked, tired, happy.