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5. Farming the land
from Two Men of Mourne
by VisitMourne
The physical landscape is a limiting factor in how farms have developed in south Down. The quality of the soil, aspect and slope elevation all contribute to this. The main crops are potatoes, oats and hay, but much of the land is only suitable as pasture for livestock. Sheep grazing and afforestation have enabled farmers to make greater use of the land and hill farming has been actively encouraged. Although we tend to associate sheep farming with the Mournes, these photographs illustrate some of the other aspects of farming life, especially in the valleys and coastal areas.
5.2 and 5.3 Two ploughing scenes
These two photographs were probably both taken at Killowen or Ballyedmond, Lisnacree. Above: With Carlingford Lough in the background, 1942.
Right: Ploughing silhouette, 1945 This photograph shows details of the wheel plough very clearly – the harness, traces, swingletrees, and even the spanner used to adjust the wheels. Although some farmers in County Down were able to invest in tractors from the 1930s, horses were still much in evidence. The Technical College in Downpatrick continued to teach agricultural students how to plough with horses in the 1950s. (H-078) (left) (H-074) (right)
5.4 The Unknown Scythesman
Several names have been suggested for him but it is probably Willie Flood of Leitrim. He is sharpening the blade with a hone or whetstone. (H-090)
5.5 The Scythesman, 1943
This is probably Barney Sloane, at Glenloughan. He is mowing grain with a scythe – this is a rare illustration of a simple ‘cradle’ fixed to the back of the scythe, to catch the harvested grain neatly as it fell. (H-069)
5.7 Harvest on Carey’s Hill, 1940
(H-092)
5.8 Binnian and Stooks, september 1947
This was Pat Hudson’s favourite shot of the mountain. (H-019)
5.9 The hay cart
Probably John and James Girvan. (H-089)
5.10 Threshing, probably on the Manse Road, Kilkeel
A portable threshing machine could be powered by a belt attached to the fly-wheel on a tractor, as seen here. (H-066)
5.11 Haystacks in a farmyard
(H-099)
