Half of Farm Work is Mowing—Quiet Discoveries from Morning Time

Thursday, May 28th.
On Wednesday and Thursday mornings, the three of us from the Hidamari team worked on mowing.
With brush cutters in hand, our movements have naturally started to sync up.

Morning Mowing, the Rhythm of Three

In addition to the ridges of the seven fields we've worked on before, we also covered the ridges of the newly started wheat and potato fields, as well as the area in front of the tractor garage.
Even as our work area expands, our improved coordination allows us to steadily tidy things up.

Entering our second year, we have become much more accustomed to handling the brush cutters.
We feel more relaxed with the engine noise and the feel of the blades, making the workflow much smoother.
I truly feel that the accumulation of experience is changing the quality of the time we spend.

Expanding Fields and Work Scope

The mowing that started with seven fields has now spread to the ridges of the wheat and potato fields and the front of the tractor garage.
An increase in fields also means an increase in the places where we must face the grass.

While this has increased the time spent planning the steps and order of work, discussing it among the three of us has allowed us to set a sustainable pace.
There is a sense of satisfaction in deciding 'we'll finish up to here today' and completing the area bit by bit.

Goosegrass and Large Crabgrass Stand Out This Year

This year, more than usual, goosegrass and large crabgrass—both annual and perennial grasses—are quite prominent.
With their strong roots and resistance to the blade, they remind me once again of the power of nature.

There were some ridges we were working on for the first time, and they were covered in overgrown grass.
Though we braced ourselves for the resistance felt through the brush cutter blades, we carefully tidied them up one by one.

If left alone, weeds like goosegrass and large crabgrass would quickly spread their influence.
That is precisely why dealing with them early on leads to protecting the fields and the crops.

The Refreshing Feeling After Mowing

The scenery after mowing has a refreshing quality, as if the very air has been cleared.
The areas around the wheat fields and the banks of the potato fields are neatly trimmed, and the entire farm looks much sharper.

I think the change is even more apparent when looking at photos and videos.
Sometimes we are surprised ourselves, thinking, 'Is this really the same place?'

Mowing Builds the Foundation for Future Fields

We spend so much time on it every year that one could say half of farm work is mowing.
Even so, as a consideration for our surroundings, it is an important role to tidy up before the flowers bloom and pollen spreads.

I believe that agriculture from here on will be an era where not only work efficiency but also harmony with the environment and relationships with the local community are called into question.
I feel that the accumulation of our daily mowing is quietly shaping that foundation.

How are the weeds looking in your fields this year?
What discoveries have you made while spending time facing nature?