Finally in the field...well, sort of

Tuesday saw the combine rumbling through our first soybean field. Warm weather and a good wind had dried the crop down enough to get going. Wednesday we got a little desperate, since rain was in the forecast for Thursday. Betty and I took a load of beans to the elevator in the morning, and Dwight took off work early and was in the combine by noon. Thursday saw the rain move through and we still have many acres left to go. If nothing else, this lifestyle teaches patience.

We sell all of our crops directly out of the field - which means we have a hauling company drop a semi trailer off in the morning, and they pick it up in the evening and take it directly to one of the river ports. My dad, on the other hand (along with many of the farmers in the area) have their own storage and drying systems along with their own semis, which means they aren't governed as much by mother nature. We have to wait until the crop is dry in the field, which takes longer in weather like this. My dad can pick the crop when it's a little wet, dry it in his facilities, and then wait to sell, preferably when the price is good.

Some say farmers are crazy for taking this gamble year after year - and yes, we probably are. Dwight and I are lucky in the fact that we have other sources of income outside of farming, which is becoming more of the norm in the farming community. It's a definite forecast of what's to come in the future...the rural life is definitely changing. Time will tell if it's for the better.

Until then, enjoy some harvest photos (and of course, my little man!)

Love this next one - we were enjoying the poplar pastime of cloud watching ;)

This last one is classic...Weezr always on the lookout for evil doers, Rommel chewing on something (in this case, a pear - our dog forgets he's a carnivore), and Wyatt watching it all go down. Fun fact about the big tree in the center...it was planted when our house was built, which means it's over 150 years old. Still presiding over the farm, and will probably be standing long after we're gone.

Apples, Pumpkins, and Harvest (hopefully!)

Fall is my season. I was born in the fall, and I have the best memories from growing up - meals in the field with my daddy, riding in the combine while reading a Nancy Drew book, the list goes on. Now, I've got my own little farmer that I'm fortunate to raise the way both his daddy and I were raised. And it's a challenge we're ready for...


So far this fall, the weather has been less than perfect for farming purposed. In fact, many of the old timers can't recall a year when they haven't been in the field by October 19th. And here are, with only a 100 bushel in the truck. So, no harvest pics yet - hopefully they'll be soon to follow.


Instead, Wyatt and I have gone both apple and pumpkin picking. The apples were more of a hit, because you can eat as you go, and who doesn't love that?? Here's a couple of my favorites from the day...

Pumpkin picking wasn't quite as fun - weather was downright gloomy. Eckert's Farm is just down the road from us, and though they've gotten almost too big in the last few years, I have to admit that they do put on a good show for the kids. Not only do you get to pick your pumpkins, but they have a little program beforehand that tells how they plant the pumpkins, what it takes to make them grow - those little minds just soak it right up. Have you ever heard a bunch of little voices screaming "pollination!!" Cutest thing ever! We didn't get to go out in the field, but they had a lot of pumpkins already picked to choose from - only caveat? They could choose whatever pumpkin they wanted, but they had to carry it themselves. Sneaky, sneaky... this next one was Wyatt's face when I told him the rules...

Wasn't thrilled with his pumpkin, but we still had a great time. Hopefully I'll post sooner rather than later with some good harvest news!