… A Sunday like we haven’t had in a long time …

Most farmers use Sunday afternoon to relax themselves, meet other farmers at a late-morning gathering, or do something together with the family in the afternoon. But when the weather is as glorious as it was yesterday and the grass is “ripe” for harvesting, everyone knows – we hay and mow for all we’re worth.

The work of farmers, whether in the field, on the farm, or in the forest, depends very much on nature and the weather conditions. This weekend was a gift for many farmers – finally two dry days and you can mow. Here in the valley, most are bringing in the second hay cut – also called Grummet – into the barns. This time we had several slopes to hay, which involves more hand work than harvesting the flat meadows in the valley bottom. It’s especially lovely when the whole family can help on these days and so the work is easier to manage.

I also looked up several times to my best friend at Planitzengut – simply admirable, the steep slopes where they mow and manage the hay work. Anyone who has been to the highest-situated farm in Gastein knows what I’m talking about. :-)

We often have guests who want to help with the hay work, who find the activity strenuous but come home “fulfilled” and with joy. For me personally, haying is a time out, to get my thoughts free, and I’m often very moved when I watch the children with the rake in their hands helping us. Working together, laughing and sweating :-)

Shortly before the hay work is finished, one of us leaves the “scene of action” and prepares a snack for all the hard-working helpers. The shared Brettljause after the work is done, feet in the fish pond – a lovely shared ending after the strenuous hay harvest.

I wish everyone a lovely holiday, Your farmer Katharina from Zittrauerhof www.gasteinurlaub.com