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.