Scythe mowing competition: technique and endurance required
Culture
Proper technique and great stamina were required on Saturday in Uttendorf (Pinzgau) when the task at mowing with the scythe was to choose the best. 70 years ago, people wanted to show who was best at using the farmer’s handicraft tools. Today, the emphasis is on fun and the intention not to forget an old agricultural technique.
At around 1,200 meters above sea level, the uncontrolled growth at the Huber farm in Uttendorf is tackled the old-fashioned way with a scythe. Around 20 participants competed to become district scythe mower champions. Women and men competed in separate competitions. Men have to mow an area of 100 square meters, women 25 square meters. Michael Renn from the Uttendorf rural youth team won the men’s mowing competition, while Lisa Lackner, also from the Uttendorf rural youth team, won the women’s race.
Professional versus traditional mowing
According to Brigitte Höllwerth from Landjugend Niedernsill, the difference between traditional and professional mowing lies in the length of the scythe. From 90 centimeters you are considered a professional, you have to have a good grip on the scythe and under 90 centimeters you mow traditionally,” says the woman from Niedernsiller.
The longer the scythe, the harder it is to mow
So the longer the scythe, the harder it is to mow. Even if the moves on Saturday looked easy, the impression is deceptive. A certain technique is required for effective mowing – every swing must be pulled through, the scythe should always remain on the ground.
Another success factor besides the right technology is the mower blade. “Without a clever edge you are lost in the competition. The cutting has to fit and the area that is to be mowed has to fit as well,” says Michael Mayr from the Taxenbach rural youth.
Referees judge clean mowing
And last but not least, stamina is also important when mowing. It’s a sweaty job. During the mowing competition, the referees ensure that the area is clean and evenly mowed.
Flachgauer as the biggest competitor
The biggest competitors of the Pinzgauer in the federal state in terms of scythe mowing are the Flachgauer. They are known for labeling on flat surfaces – an advantage for them, because the state decision also takes place on flat surfaces. On the other hand, this is a disadvantage for the Pinzgauer, who only have a few flat areas in their district.
Federal decision on scythe mowing in July
The winners of the district decision will compete in the state decision in two weeks, and in July the winners will then go to Vorarlberg for the federal decision.
