Growing On The High Plains: Hay Isn't Just For Horses

High Plains Public Radio | By Skip Mancini

Published August 22, 2019 at 11:31 AM CDT

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A heavy haul of hay from local farmer Tom Stoppel.

Vincent Mancini

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Vincent Mancini

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Vincent Mancini

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Vincent Mancini

Wily coyotes and mischievous mice aren’t just in cartoons. They can also be found at certain times of the year in the hay bales that protect Skip’s garden.

On this week’s Growing on the High Plains, Skip explains the many uses of straw bales and how they not only help protect her garden from the wily weather of western Kansas, but also with supporting her small ecosystem of critters.

Check out the slideshow of local farmer Tom Stoppel’s hay bailer as he delivers the stacks of straw.

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Skip Mancini

Years ago Skip Mancini left the rocky coast of Northern California to return to her roots in the heartland. Her San Francisco friends, concerned over her decision to live in a desolate flatland best known for a Hollywood tornado, were afraid she would wither and die on the vine. With pioneer spirit, Skip planted a garden. She began to learn about growing not only flowers and vegetables, but hearts and minds. If you agree that the prairie is a special place, we think you'll enjoy her weekly sojourns into Growing on the High Plains.

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