Another Implement

     In farming, as often as the names are very simple, sometimes you can't get a single name for an implement. I had this issue with this one.

     We've always just called it the brillion because that's whats painted on its side. But Brillion is, in fact, the name of the company that made it and the company is named after the town where the foundry is located: Brillion, Wisconsin. Looking around the internet I saw it called a packer-harrow, harrow packer, cultimulcher, roller harrow, pulverizer, and more.
     So in the interest of saving time, I'm going to stop worrying about what it's called, and tell you what it does.

     This is the implement at work. And if it looks like it's tearing up the alfalfa in its path, that's because it is. It's not killing the plant, just retarding it's growth a bit. The farmer is doing this so that the plants bloom at the same time, and also at the right time which is when the bees emerge.

     Here are the working parts of "The Implement." There are two rows of tines and two rows of rollers. The tines are made of spring steel so as they drag through the soil they pick at anything that is stuck down. The rollers have fingers (as you can see) that break up anything they roll over.
     In addition to smashing the top of the alfalfa plant to reset it's growth "The Implement" also has other benefits. Any plants that lack the robustness of the alfalfa can be killed, removing many weeds. Also it breaks up any stubborn clods that are still left.
     So whatever you call it, it's a very handy piece of equipment and a vital step to bringing food to you.