The pastures are so brown. This countryside is desperate for a drink.
Yesterday was nearly a full day for us. We waited for the sprinkle from the night before to dry off with the heat of the sun. I think we started just before noon and the moisture was still a little on the high-end. But, once we made a couple of rounds, it was back to a reasonable number which wasn’t necessary to be concerned about. By the time that perfect number rolled around, we were throwing dust and moving along quite nicely.
The wheat continues to show high yields on the Beast’s monitor. Jim said the quality continues to run between 62 and 64 lbs. As long as the white reaper stays away, our farmers could come out of this with a phenomenal average. I just asked about the amount of rain they’d had since this crop was planted. They said the most they received was right after we finished last year. That produced enough rain the roads were washed away. They received very little moisture through the winter and spring. Apparently, they’ve done something right.
At one point, we had to wait on our truckers. I jokingly asked them on the radio if our truckers had gone on strike. A great problem to have! Too much wheat.
I had some riders this afternoon. Kim and her son, Will, came out from Colorado Springs with several others. Sarah’s mom brought them out to the country to see wheat harvest. I had a great student(s) who was interested in knowing more about the combine, how it worked and how it cut wheat. I bet both Kim and Will will think about the wheat that makes their bread the next time they bite into their sandwich. It’s fun getting to tell someone who knows nothing about what we do…what we do. Thank you, Kim and Will, for coming to the country and for riding in the Yellow Beast with me!!
Our parade (minus one combine and the trucks) when we move from field to field.
And then the clouds rolled in.
The challenge tonight was to get the combines unloaded, the grain cart tarped and the combines parked before it started to rain.
We parked the combines with their backs facing the oncoming cloud. This will alleviate the possibility of losing windows to hail.
It was 7:00ish when the clouds looked like they were ready to dump a large amount of rain. So, after we got everything closed up for the storm, we headed to Jack’s house for supper. Thanks to Linda, Cindy, Sarah and Taylor, we had another delicious supper. The best part of the evening was just sitting around the tables enjoying each other’s company.
The kids table.
We got 1/4 inch of rain from the storm so today (July 13) was a catch-up day. I needed to get caught up on sleep, USCHI work, IFTA report submitted and laundry. I did take a break – upon Callie’s insistence – and went to the pool for a quick dip. Callie claims this is the first time I’ve ever went swimming with her. I think she’s just forgotten. Although, I will admit that I don’t like to swim if the water is cold. The water today was perfect! Thanks, Cal, for talking me into taking the break!
And then the clouds rolled in.
We didn’t cut any wheat today. Jim and Taylor went out to the field to do a few things that needed Jim’s attention and they did a test cut. The moisture was 14% = still too high to cut.
Now, if we get another break tomorrow, I won’t feel like I’ll have to do anything. Maybe the girls and I will do something fun. Maybe. Can’t go too far…the sun may come out and we’ll have to go cut wheat.
