The Hay Rake Ballet: A Unique Blend of Farming and Art

In an unexpected and delightful fusion of agriculture and artistry, Wisconsin farmers are taking a break from their hectic harvest season to showcase their talents in an imaginative performance known as The Hay Rake Ballet. Set against the backdrop of a lush alfalfa field, this captivating event features farmers executing graceful pirouettes and intricate turns on their tractors, reminiscent of John Deere’s very own Baryshnikovs.

The performance, choreographed by Sarah Butler, unfolds to the enchanting strains of opera music, captivating a diverse audience that watches in awe as the tractors skillfully navigate the field, lifting their hay rakes in a synchronized dance. The audience, affectionately referred to as “D-Tourists,” cannot help but express their delight with gasps and cheers at each elegant movement.

Held every other October, the Farm/Art DTour attracts over 20,000 visitors from cities like Madison and Milwaukee. This unique 10-day event spans 50 miles of scenic rural Sauk County, showcasing large-scale art installations and engaging “pasture performances” along the picturesque, winding backroads. Highlights include striking pieces such as a vibrant pink abstract deer blind perched above a cornfield and a whimsical dragon cleverly concealing a 250-foot-long irrigation system.

“It’s fascinating to see urban dwellers excited about the sights we encounter every day,” remarked Andy Enge, a dedicated dairy farmer and one of the stars of the ballet. The performance features three tractors performing a mesmerizing pas de trois, twirling gracefully around one another.

However, not everyone shares the same sentiment about this artistic expression. Maurice Enge, Andy’s 93-year-old father, offered a more pragmatic perspective: “If a man drove like that out in the hayfields, I’d fire them!” His comment underscores the generational differences in the perception of farming as both a livelihood and an art form.