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Humboldt farmer keeps hay-moving know-how alive through every season

When pasture turns brown or cattle need extra feed, hay becomes the go-to foundation—and longtime Humboldt farmer Dale Daniels has built his life around getting that work right. In an Iola Register feature, the 83-year-old Daniels is described as looking ahead even while putting up hay through scorching summer conditions, with plans shaped by an eye on what winter may bring.

A rural Kansas farm with a tractor cutting grass and wrapped hay bales ready for winter feed.

Daniels’ hay operation is tied to a lifetime of farm work and practical experience. After graduating from Humboldt High in 1961, he attended vehicle mechanics school in Kansas City and later drew on those skills to keep equipment running. He also completed basic training with the Kansas National Guard over the years, including two-week summer stints in places such as Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Fort Riley.

The article details how the process starts with cutting and letting grass cure before baling, then notes changes in how hay is stored and protected. Modern bales—made with tightly packed wrapping—can be durable for two or three years, reflecting a shift from older approaches like twine tying and less-protective storage methods.