Haycocks were always used in northern Europe up until the coming of mechanisation and weather forecasts, and still are in some places. They are temporary field stores whose purpose is to protect hay against rain until it can be permanently stacked or baled. In a modern small-scale setting they enable hay-making to be done progressively over a period of weeks which is ideal for making hay either by hand or with small-scale machinery and fitting it in with other commitments. It means that short periods of good weather can be taken advantage of and so haymaking can start earlier in the season when the nutritional value of the crop is at its best. This also reduces the mental stress associated with both rainy weather and dependency on contractors or third parties for machinery. Hay dries slowly in a cock and therefore cures (like when you keep a flower pressed in a book) which means that the more delicate but nutritious leaves eg clover are retained, unlike ground-drying which tends to shatter them to dust. In very good weather hay can be put up in a cock semi-made (ie not completely dry) on the same evening as dawn-mowing if turned twice or thrice. But always check for mustiness in the heart of the cock and break it out to dry during the next spell of good weather if so. This method is based John Seymour's publications and each cock stores up to about 20 kg hay which is around 1 standard small square bale. There are two key aspects to a haycock: keeping the hay off the ground and having a hollow middle for air circulation. It does take some practice but keep at it. nb No Grannies were harmed during the making of this film.
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How to make a tripod haycock
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