Hay buck
Encyclopedia
A hay buck, or "bucking hay", is a type of manual labor where hay bales
, usually 85 lb. to as much as 150 lb., are stacked by hand in a storage area such as a barn, or stacked on a vehicle for transportation, such as a wagon or semi truck for delivery to where the hay is needed. The act of throwing the bales up to a higher level is called "bucking". The work is very strenuous and physically demanding, and is dependent upon using a proper technique in order to not grow weary too quickly.
For storage, the bottom tiers of the hay bales are sometimes stacked by a machine called a harrowbed, and the hay bucks brought in to "top off" the stack. The workers generally wear chaps
to protect their legs and use hay hooks, anywhere from 8 to 19 inch long metal hooks with wooden handles, to secure the bales and move them. An apparatus known as an elevator is used to move the bales, conveyor belt style, to levels too high to buck them. Workers are usually paid by the ton
or the by number of bales. Because the work is so labor intensive, many farmers have taken to making multiple ton bales that are moved with machines.
Hay bucking competitions are sometimes held at rodeos and country fair
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Hay
Hay is grass, legumes or other herbaceous plants that have been cut, dried, and stored for use as animal fodder, particularly for grazing livestock such as cattle, horses, goats, and sheep. Hay is also fed to pets such as rabbits and guinea pigs...
, usually 85 lb. to as much as 150 lb., are stacked by hand in a storage area such as a barn, or stacked on a vehicle for transportation, such as a wagon or semi truck for delivery to where the hay is needed. The act of throwing the bales up to a higher level is called "bucking". The work is very strenuous and physically demanding, and is dependent upon using a proper technique in order to not grow weary too quickly.
For storage, the bottom tiers of the hay bales are sometimes stacked by a machine called a harrowbed, and the hay bucks brought in to "top off" the stack. The workers generally wear chaps
Chaps
Chaps are sturdy coverings for the legs consisting of leggings and a belt. They are buckled on over trousers with the chaps' integrated belt, but unlike trousers they have no seat and are not joined at the crotch. They are designed to provide protection for the legs and are usually made of leather...
to protect their legs and use hay hooks, anywhere from 8 to 19 inch long metal hooks with wooden handles, to secure the bales and move them. An apparatus known as an elevator is used to move the bales, conveyor belt style, to levels too high to buck them. Workers are usually paid by the ton
Ton
The ton is a unit of measure. It has a long history and has acquired a number of meanings and uses over the years. It is used principally as a unit of weight, and as a unit of volume. It can also be used as a measure of energy, for truck classification, or as a colloquial term.It is derived from...
or the by number of bales. Because the work is so labor intensive, many farmers have taken to making multiple ton bales that are moved with machines.
Hay bucking competitions are sometimes held at rodeos and country fair
Fair
A fair or fayre is a gathering of people to display or trade produce or other goods, to parade or display animals and often to enjoy associated carnival or funfair entertainment. It is normally of the essence of a fair that it is temporary; some last only an afternoon while others may ten weeks. ...
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