Because it didn't rain, harvest was dry and dusty with very little down time. There was always a large dust cloud behind the combine. Beans were terrible dusty and hard on the help; dust masks and respirator masks were necessary. On our first day of harvest this year, one of the crew accidentally snapped a power line with the combine being so tall. That wasn't exactly a good start to the year. Most years a little rainfall will delay so the crew can get some rest. Jake ran the grain cart most afternoons when he got back from DMACC. His new friend, Keaton liked to come ride every chance he could get. Luke took turns riding in semi, tractor, and combine. He hoped to drive the combine more than he did, but still got some time behind the wheel. If I want to see the Mark and the boys, I had to jump in the cab for a few rounds. I took many meals to the field and enjoyed the beautiful harvest sunsets.
The Fort Dodge radio station 540KMWT did a fall "Feed The Farmer" program. They randomly drew a name of those entered from a specific group of counties. Karen called in and was selected. There was a slim chance of being chosen, and she was super excited to win. We have been on the other side of the "Feed The Farmer", being the one that provided the meal to a family. This time, we were treated, and boy were we spoiled. A restaurant out of Radcliffe provided us prime rib, sides, and a delicious cake dessert. All the crew came in for the big lunch, then headed back to the field. What a treat!!
For the past few weeks, Jacob, Luke, and Keaton worked almost every day . It started with clearing brush using the tractor, loader, and the skid loader. They tore out fence line along fields, and leveled beans inside grain bins. Mark gave them odd jobs to do. It was great for all of them. Jake and Luke get along better when another person is around and they are more motivated to work. I think they like to work harder and outdo one another. It keeps them all busy, earning money, and helps Mark get job done. It's a win/win.
The National Corn Growers came out to the farm to ride with Mark and watch the monitors, test, and check the corn yields. Mark had a large field averaging 266 bushels per acre!! In some spots up to 300. The corn in the area is averaging 140 and 160 in this extremely dry season. Mark is meticulous about soil preparation, and managing all the little details and it pays off. The effort and extras he puts into farming pay off in bountiful yields and this year he got some recognition too.
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