Hay production was a major part of dykeland agriculture in the 18th and 19th centuries. The reclaimed marsh soil was perfect for producing hay. Often farmers got two crops of hay in a season. The barns served as warehouses for storing hay, which was shipped to four different markets. Hay was used for feed in lumber camps of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. It was shipped to Newfoundland and Cape Breton. It was used as fodder for pit ponies in coal mines of Cape Breton. Horses were used for transportation in the pre-automobile days. Hence, hay was supplied to livery stables even as far as Boston [ link ]