Reading in Place: A Good Scythe
“...I never took the least pleasure in using the power scythe, whereas in using the Marugg scythe, whatever the weather and however difficult the cutting, I always work with the pleasure that one invariably gets from using a good tool.” Wendell Berry, “A Good Scythe”
Saturday, 9am-5pm
Cost: $50
Participant limit: 6
Woodland Instructor and Teaching Teamster, Rick Thomas, and FFI Director, Dr. Leah Bayens, will team teach this Haying + Reading in Place workshop. This hands-on course will provide students with the knowledge and practical skills necessary to effectively use a modern European-style scythe for mowing grass and harvesting hay. We will delve into the historical context and ecological benefits of scythe-based mowing contrasting it with contemporary mechanical methods. Through an end-of-day discussion, we will draw on Wendell Berry’s writing and a variety of practical and historical resources to explore the arts and cultures of the scythe as an agrarian tool for good land use.
Materials: Scythes and honing tools will be provided. You may bring your own European-style scythe, in which case, we ask that you arrive by 8:30am so your tool can be inspected for sharpness and safe use. Please let us know during your registration process if you will be bringing your own tools. We will be covering a lot of material in a fairly short period of time. Please bring a notebook and writing utensil.
*No experience is necessary for this course. During the practicum portion of this course, participants will be using scythes for extended periods and using tools to sharpen scythes. The class will engage in field-based activities regardless of the weather, though alternate plans will be made in response to extreme weather events.
Current Offerings
This workshop will return in Summer 2027. Join our mailing list to be notified of new dates.
*Reduced-rate scholarships are available for farmers and residents of Henry County.
In-person only
$50
Limit 6 participants
