May 20th, 2018: Making Hay
 

This picture was taken in 1880 Pennsylvania. Obviously posed, probably the 3rd settlement of the Harmony Society in Economy PA.

http://cellar.org/2017/making hay 1880.jpg

I'd like a nickel for every ton of hay I've forked that way. It's not fun. :headshake

What, were you on a chain gang?
I can't think of anywhere else where this system might have been used since the 1940's.

Fork that.

Vests, ties, dresses, fancy hats... People used to get all dressed up just to go do yardwork. Nowadays it's shorts and T-shirts.
Did humans not get sweaty in the old days?

That's because you're thinking of commercial farms where baling or rolling is the norm because it's most efficient. But a small operation with a couple of animals, horses for pleasure riding or cattle for 4-H projects can't justify tens of thousands of dollars for the tractor, mower, side delivery rake, and baler for the hay.
Two days ago I saw a farmer mowing a sizable field of Alfalfa with a pair of horses plus a Dalmatian and a German Shepard running interference. I'm sure it won't be baled.