As another season of forage production draws near, manufacturers of hay production and handling equipment roll out the latest in technology and design for efficiency and productivity.

Much like the transitions other ranchers and farmers have experienced over the past 50-plus years, our evolution with hay handling here in rural Idaho has been a transition from loose hay, to small square bales, to large round and square bales.

As our operation has grown in size and complexity, so has the necessity to become more organized and efficient regarding repairs and maintenance of existing and new facilities and equipment. Along with learning new skills and practicing old ones, we find ourselves trying harder to keep track of the tools needed for these day-to-day tasks.

Five or six years ago, I added a 140-horse four-wheel-drive loader tractor to my hay processing and handling lineup.