Sneaking in the entrance there was the combine harvester in the distance making its way slowly towards us:
Just a little bit of video to show the beast at work as it reached the end of the field and turned. Hand held and a some wind noise in the first section:
Looks a lot of investment for something which is used for a short time each year though I believe some farms hire their use. A quick search showed used versions of this combine would cost in excess of $150,000 (in the US) depending on age, condition and extras fitted. When new in 2009 they sold for £150,000+ in the UK.
Monday looking at the fields next to the cricket field there is plenty more which looks ready:
It's going to be a busy few days and nights for some.
Very interesting photos and description of harvesting around your place. I am always interested in the comparisons between countries - are those paddocks (um fields I think I should say!) the usual size for that type of crop? Broad acre paddocks in the west in this country are HUGE and have rows of even bigger combines working side by side.
ReplyDeleteMick: I think Australia and the US have the space for huge fields. Many of ours are about the same as the ones I photographed. The size is really a left over from mediaeval times and the days of horse ploughing. Built up areas and old country roads limit how much they can be enlarged. In some areas they have ripped out hedges and joined fields together.
DeleteExcellent. I am a fan of farm machinery. I can watch them all day.
ReplyDeleteAdrian: Same here, in fact all machinery. Love to see the demonstrations of steam ploughing and threshing. Lived in Woolwich as a youngster and spent many an hour down in the observation area of the Woolwich free ferry watching the engines. Ah, the days of smelling hot oil and steam and watching all that lovingly maintained gleaming brass at work.
DeleteYes the combines are out round here too! Hopefully I won't get too close to one while out running...
ReplyDeleteSimon: Looking at the forecast they need to get as much done as possible today and tomorrow. Heavy rain forecast for Thursday and Friday. At least you will be able to hear them getting close!
DeleteWay ahead of our corn up here, but you are probably six hundred feet lower.
ReplyDelete