Cereal Crops
This is an example of the kind of record that can be made from your quite unique photographs. There is so much detail that could be added. For an example; did the corn sheaves get wrapped in a 'twist' or a 'switch' ? Is there a name for that?
Was the lead horse always on a particular side? What were the command words that were used? How long could a heavy horse work for?
Tell us about your crops and harvest, and tales of threshing days.
 | Meet Soldier from Avisyard. This fine chap is the powerhouse behind all the farming activities. Not only would he know exactly what was required of him once the harness went on, he could even teach others of his kind new to the job. Show us a tractor that can do all that in the 21st century? Soldier could well be the horse to the right on this picture. In the foreground is the remains of the lunch - often cold tea and pasties. This is an early reaping machine, with cut corn left behind ready for the women to gather into sheaves and tie with a twist of corn stalks. Backbreaking work, the corn stubble would be hard on exposed ankles so stout boots would be required. Hands and arms also would be subject to small cuts from leaves and 'stobs' from the cut stalks. Happily, they could look forward to a relax in a tin bath! This is the next innovation, a Reaper Binder that would cut, gather together and tie with string. Here the crop seems to be oats (or Havver ?) where the tops have become 'tousy' so the sheaves aren't compact and tidy. Unpredictable Ayrshire weather means that crops have to be taken when they are not necessarily at their peak. The man on the right is taking a breather from making the sheaves into stooks. After a few good days drying in the field, the sheaves would be brought in to the farm for a Threshing Day. This would be done by a contractor who took the thresher round the farms and helped by the farm hands. It was hard physical work and took calories to provide the muscle power. Farmers' wives would be inside cooking the full Scottish breakfast followed by a substantial lunch - often two courses! That looks like a lady at the top of the process feeding in the crop. Take note of the roller in the barn to the right and the shafts of a cart. Finally, the most modern picture we have so far....... In the meadow at Crofthead , Cumnock. John Stevenson nearest camera. The combine is being driven by Henry Murdoch, from Torr, Dalrymple, who owned it and did contract work. Henry's aunt, Penelope Murdoch from Balgreen, Dalrymple was Mrs James Stevenson, Bankend. |
Many hours are spent after ploughing and seeding just picking stones off the field before they vanish amongst the growing crop until found inside your prized harvester. This time of year is one of the busiest for farm contractors, and they need dedicated engineering repair support. This fact has not changed from the earliest mechanisation. Once supported by a local blacksmith, now a farmer needs specialist expertise of a more complicated sort.
When this inevitably happens despite your best efforts, who do you call ?
