Tedded

Tedded refers to the process of spreading cut forage, such as grass or hay, in a thin, even layer over a field. This action is primarily undertaken to facilitate drying. When forage is cut, it contains a significant amount of moisture. Tedding exposes a larger surface area of the forage to the air and sunlight, which promotes more rapid evaporation of this moisture. This accelerated drying is crucial for haymaking, as it helps to preserve the nutritional quality of the forage and prevent spoilage or the growth of mold.

The tedding operation is typically performed shortly after mowing. Specialized farm machinery called a tedder is used for this purpose. These machines usually have rotating tines or rakes that lift and scatter the cut material. By fluffing and spreading the forage, tedding also helps to aerate the swath, preventing the lower layers from becoming matted and retaining excessive moisture. In some cases, tedding may be repeated if the conditions are not conducive to rapid drying. The goal is to reach a specific moisture content before baling the hay.