tedder

Tedder is a term with two principal meanings: an agricultural implement used in haymaking and a surname.

The hay tedder is a machine that spreads, fans, and turns cut forage to promote even drying in the sun. It typically attaches to a tractor and is powered by the power take-off or hydraulics. A tedder uses tines mounted on rotating arms or wheels to lift and distribute the material, creating air flow and breaking up clumps. Rotary tedders are common for larger fields; other designs include chain or wheel-type tedders. Tedding is usually followed by raking and baling, with the aim of reducing moisture and minimizing spoilage while preserving nutritional quality of the forage.

As a surname, Tedder occurs in English-speaking regions. Notable individuals include Sir Arthur Tedder, 1st Earl of Tedder, a British Royal Air Force officer who served as deputy commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force in Europe during World War II. The name appears in various contexts and may be found in historical and contemporary records.

In summary, tedder refers primarily to a hay-drying machine used in agriculture, and secondarily to a family name associated with individuals in public life.