Stooking

Stooking is a traditional agricultural practice of drying and storing sheaves of grain or hay. After harvesting, the stalks of grain, such as wheat, barley, or oats, or dried grasses for hay, are gathered into bundles called sheaves. These sheaves are then propped upright in the field, often in groups of ten or more, forming a conical or beehive-like structure known as a stook or shock.

The primary purpose of stooking is to allow the grain or hay to dry further in the field before it is threshed or baled. The upright position of the sheaves allows for air circulation around them, which helps to prevent spoilage from moisture and encourages even drying. The shape of the stook also provides some protection from rain, with the outer layers deflecting water away from the inner sheaves.

Historically, stooking was a labor-intensive but effective method for preserving harvested crops. It was particularly useful in regions with unpredictable weather, allowing farmers to store their grain safely until it could be transported or processed. While modern harvesting machinery often threshes or bales grain and hay directly in the field, the practice of stooking can still be observed in some areas, especially in smaller-scale farming or for specific types of crops. It remains a recognizable symbol of traditional agricultural methods.