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A self propelled windrower at work in a barley crop circa 1950 in the Lower North of South Australia

Windrowing cuts the crop and leaves it formed in rows close to the ground on the stubble where it is held together by the interlaced straw. The technique of windrowing barley crops was first developed as a means of reducing grain losses from hot, windy conditions usually preceding a cool change. Windrowing protects the crop by placing the heads of grain out of the wind so that they can be safely harvested at a later time.

(Source: Peter Fulwood)