1SR Scythe Workshop Calendar
March 3-4, 2012, UNC- Ashville N.C. 4B: Small-Scale Grass Management Using the Austrian Scythe with 1SR Adv. Instructor Larry Cooper. Learn how to choose the right scythe and use it in conjunction with companion hand tools for management of grass on the homestead. We’ll discuss mowing technique, sharpening, grain and hay harvesting, and various uses for your scythe-cut grasses. See http://www.organicgrowersschool.org/ to register.
May 12th, 2012, WI, 1SR Basic Scythe Workshop at Mystic Prairie Eco-Farm, Wilson Wisconsin. 1-5pm. Learn the fundamentals: How to set up your scythe, and how to mow, and how to hone your blade. Peening will be demonstrated, and de-mystified. $50
May 27th, 2012, WI, 8-5pm - 1SR Adv. Scythe Workshop, and Beg. Scythe Instructor Training. Mystic Prairie Eco-Farm, Wilson, Wisconsin. There's a growing demand for scythe instructors, but very few people are knowledgeable enough to teach much about it. This workshop will give you more of the in-depth knowledge that you will need to manage a scythe-based farm, and also to help "spread the word" and teach Beginner's Scythe Workshops. Advanced field mowing with long blades, and team mowing will be covered in the morning, as well as advanced honing. Using Scandinavian-style hay drying racks will be covered late morning. An in-depth, free-hand peening workshop, co-taught with blacksmith Larry Cooper, will be held in the afternoon. Prerequisites: Basic Scythe Workshop and/or some accomplished mowing and peening experience. Study the instructional videos on this site, and also the peening manual before the workshop. Contact 1SR to register. $100
September 2nd, 2012, WI, 9-5pm, Fall Scythe Workshop: Mowing and Freehand Peening. Mystic Prairie Eco-Farm, Wilson, Wisconsin. Depending on demand, this workshop will be either a Beginner's scythe workshop, or an Advanced, or both. Contact 1SR to register. $50-100
November 10th, 2012, WI, 1-5pm, Harvesting Wild Straw with a Scythe. Mystic Prairie Eco-Farm, Wilson, Wisconsin. Wild grasses such as Reed Canary Grass can be easily harvested with a scythe at this time of year, for use as winter bedding. We will mow tall Reed Canary Grass with Austrian scythes, and store the straw in an outdoor, pyramid-framed stack. Contact 1SR to register. $25
