Skip to main content

Harvest &Working Boys

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.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Volleyball

Jake  went with Karen after school and to the field. My mom, Luke and I went to Jayden’s  Volleyball game in Coon Rapids.  They played 4 games all losses. They were not having a good serving night and that really hurt them.  Still enjoy watching them learn.

Treasures

 In the morning we took 3 of our 4 cats to the vet for shots. The 4 th cat decided to wander this morning missing his appointment. On our way out, we passed a rummage sale and stopped. We got some major treasures for next to nothing. The church ladies were so fascinated with Jacob's interest in old radios and televisions. They just adored him and marked the prices way down and gave him some for free. We loaded up on kids books, got some board games, and a few other treasures. Jake ended up with a mini  television , an old radio and Polaroid camera. After lunch the boys went straight to the field. My friend Carolyn and her daughter Tabby came to ride horses. What started out to be a chilly day 45, turned out nice and sunny. We had coats on, but it was a great day to ride. We rode through our hay patch and along the waterway near the highway. It was a great way to spend the afternoon.

Dayton Fun Show

 It has been cold and windy for the past week, highs of 45. Today the sun was shinning and it got up to 60. There was one final horse show for the season at the Dayton arena. We took Jayden and Jacob while Luke went with Grammer and Po and was supposed to come later. It was a fun show geared for practice and the kids. Jake did really well on Winnie, he rode in walk and trot, barrels, and poles. He did some loping. Jayden did pleasure, milk can, barrels, poles, and a jumping event. Her horse Tex really jumps high for the jump event. Down in the arena, there was'nt any wind and the sun came out. It made for a nice day.