Time in the Tractor

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Some of the major points I have learned in the past week include how to irrigate using a side roll. The side rolls have multiple sprinkler heads along the roll that spray out water in a circular motion. They are able to roll along using a motor and a lever that you can push or pull to move it in a certain direction. The side rolls have a cap at the end that you can unscrew to release water and pressure. It is important to make sure that all of the sprinkler heads are moving and spraying out water and that none of them are plugged up.

Another thing I learned was how to use a tractor and a rake to rake the outside rows of a hay field. The grass gets cut into rows using a swather and then a rake will take two rows of cut grass and rake it into one. This turns over the grass in order for it to dry out better and while also creating less rows of grass to be baled into hay. Raking the outside rows of the hay field is important for creating room for the tractor to go up and down the middle rows and to drive and turn down into new rows. We also moved the cattle into a new pasture during the week. We did this to provide the cows with fresh grass and to give the pasture they were on a break to rest and regrow. I learned about roping and treating sick cows and calves along the way.

I would challenge that side rolls can be difficult to use and operate and it is important to keep them in good working condition. The sprinkler heads can get plugged up easily, causing them to stop turning. It is important to make sure your sprinkler heads are in good shape and to replace the heads when needed. The segments to the side roll come off sometimes as well. It is essential to make sure that the side roll is well put together and that the clips are placed properly onto each section. I would also challenge that all of the side rolls should have chains attached to them. This helps the side roll move together better as one and prevents sections from bending, getting left behind or jumping ahead.

I have questions about how side rolls are made and put together. I feel as though if I understood more about the makeup of a side roll I could help prevent things from going wrong with it. I also have questions about how the motor for the side roll works and the best way to keep the motor running properly. If I knew more about the motor I think that would help me operate the side roll more efficiently. I have questions about the different types of sprinkler heads used on side rolls and which are the most effective and will help prevent plugging.

I will use the information I have learned this week in the future if I continue to do ranch and farm work. It will be important to know how to irrigate and how to operate irrigation systems such as side rolls. It would also be beneficial to have background knowledge about rotational grazing and when you should move cattle onto different pastures. If I end up going to veterinary school I will also use the information I have learned about treating sick cows and calves. It is important to learn about different kinds of medications and treatments and to see which is the most effective for sick animals.

Submitted by: Leiana Andrade Stout
Edits by: GrowinG Internship Team