NURCOT FARM

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Worksheet 9

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The Lychford File

 

The Lychford File

Teacher Notes - Nurcot Farm

 

Hay is the name for grass which has been dried in the sun and wind. The grass is cut (usually in June or July) by a 'mower' and then shaken up and spread about by hay 'turners' so that it can dray quickly in the field.When dry, the hay is then put into rows and a 'baler' picks it up, squashing it into tight, round or oblong bales tied up with twine.  The hay is then stored under cover until ready for use.

Silage is the name for grass (and some other crops) which has been 'pickled' while still green. The grass is cut with a mower but while still fairly fresh it is collected, pressed together and sealed in a stack or container. If the conditions are right some types of bacteria already present in the grass, produce an acid which 'pickles' and preserves it.If the conditions are wrong, the grass goes bad and cannot be preserved.

There are three main ways of sealing/storing the grass:

DIY Hay/silage

Grass could be obtained from mowings of the school grounds, or by cutting longer grass on rough areas.

Hay

Collect a large handful of fresh grass and spread it out on a newspaper in your classroom.Turn once a day until dry.

Silage

Fill a large plastic bin liner 2/3 full with freshly cut grass. Try to squeeze out as much air as possible and then fasten tightly with string. This is done more easily by forcing it into a large basin, sink or box.Double wrapping in two bin liners ensures a better seal. Leave the grass for 6-10 weeks before opening it, outside the classroom.Beware of the smell.

Rotten grass

Collect a large plastic bucketful of fresh grass and leave outside, protected from the rain.Alternatively, grass cuttings can be placed in a mound about the size of a wheelbarrow.The mound can be opened up after 24 hours to check if it has heated up.

 

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