I received an email from a gentleman in August asking me if I’d consider doing a presentation about custom harvesting at a meeting (involving agricultural engineers) at the AG CONNECT show the end of January. I remember where I was and what I was doing the very instant I received this email. Why? Because it instantly made me sick to my stomach thinking about talking in front of anyone, let alone educated engineers! I was sitting in the buddy seat of the combine with Jim in Montana. I read the email to him and his next words were, “Maybe you should see if Jon would do it”. Incentive enough to reconsider the idea that I couldn’t do it and show Mr. Jim I COULD do it. I was hoping for a little encouragement but he probably knew how I was feeling (terrified) and was trying to make it better the only way he knew how. I thought about it for a while before I answered with my “yes, I think I can do this”. I decided God had opened this door for me and I needed to walk through it. Continue reading
Tag Archives: Agvocacy
#1 Post for 2012…”We cut wheat today!” (video)
“Sir, my concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God’s side, for God is always right.” Abraham Lincoln
The day I wrote this post was one that had been long awaited! We cut wheat today on May 16 after sitting for days of waiting for moisture levels to get low enough to cut. The perfect moisture to cut wheat is 13%. We sort of figured out it was probably due to the early spring and already ripened wheat. The wheat was ready to cut but the dew and cooler temps in the mornings (like a typical spring in TX) were messing with our ability to get it cut. It was after 3:00 when we FINALLY got started. Reading this post and seeing the pictures makes me really excited about heading south again.
#3 – Today’s post takes us to Texas
It’s fun going back and re-reading posts over the year and remembering that particular day as though it were yesterday. This is one of those days. However, for it being the third most read post of the year, I wonder if it was the headline that caught everyone’s attention. It certainly isn’t one of the better ones – no pictures and very short. Maybe I should learn from this 🙂
Today’s post, “We gambled and won – for once!”, takes place in Burkburnett, TX. We had just finished the last acres of wheat and then it rained. Maybe it would be good to look back at the posting prior to this one to better understand – “Something’s going on with the sun”
ENJOY!
Countdown to the #1 read post in 2012
It’s been pretty busy around the Z household for the past week. I feel bad about pushing my writing to the side – but only just a little. I’ve been spending time with Christmas preparations, kids and activities of the season. One day soon, things will get back to normal and I can dedicate more time to my blog. For now, though, I’ve decided I will share with you the top four posts of 2012. The #1 posting will be shared with you on January 1, 2013 – a brand new year with brand new memories to capture.
Today, though, we are heading to Omaha for a movie, Lincoln, and supper out with the family. Can’t wait to see this movie (and spend the evening with my family – including my brother, Matt)!
The #4 most read blog of 2012 – “Right now…I HATE harvest!”
Merry Christmas from the Z Crew!!
I’d like to wish each of you a Blessed Christmas! I hope you’re enjoying your day with family and friends. We’ll begin our day opening the presents that took so long to pick out. When that’s complete and the pile of gifts have been reduced to a pile of boxes and torn paper, I’ll make Christmas breakfast. The afternoon will be spent watching movies, playing games or just sleeping. Roast beef, mashed potatoes, corn, rolls and cookies – LOTS AND LOTS of cookies – for supper! Thank you so much for stopping by and for being loyal Nebraska Wheatie friends!
Oh Canada! (Cont)
Ever have to sit in an airport longer than you anticipated? Due to “mechanical issues”, our plane has been delayed from Saskatoon to Minneapolis. Not sure exactly what the issue is…something with tires. No – really! So, while sitting here, I decided it would be an opportune time to update my blog with the latest pictures. Continue reading
Jenna and the CLAAS Beast(s)
Jamie told me a couple of days ago she had lined up a personal tour of the CLAAS of Omaha plant with Jenna.
Jenna started working for CLAAS quite some time ago. I grew up respecting someone’s place of employment which meant don’t visit unless there’s a need and don’t call unless there’s an emergency. So, when Jamie told me she was going to visit Jenna at work, I thought…”well, heck, if she’s going maybe I’ll tag along too”. If Jamie hadn’t gone, I may have felt like I couldn’t visit until another group of custom harvesters made their way to the plant.
An Endangered Species?
For some “down” time, I sometimes like to hit the “Random Post” link on my blog. It’s always fun to see what we were doing on that particular random day. If someone is with me, I like to reread the posting to them to spark a memory of where we were and what we were doing. Sort of like playing a game. This particular posting is one I feel could be thought of on a daily basis and wanted to share the game with you, my readers:
I’ve been trying to keep up with the U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance Facebook page www.facebook.com/USFarmersandRanchers. However, every time I visit to see what’s being talked about, I just get mad!
HHD and The Dirt Blizzard
The flags can attest to the strong winds as we entered. As it was, this was calm compared to what we endured later in the day.
The plan on Friday was for Jim and The Yellow Beast to get back to picking corn AFTER the trip to Husker Harvest Days on Wednesday. That plan was spoiled by the hot temps that made their way back into the region. It was 96 degrees on Tuesday. I tried to justify to him why it would be ok for his taking Wednesday off to make the trip to Grand Island. “It’s still so early in the fall”. “What? Is it going to start raining now?” “It’s not like the weather’s going to drastically change”. However, because of his strong work ethic all my attempts were met with a strong NO! I wanted to go. Mark, Candi and Jenna were still planning on the trip, so I decided what the heck?! (One more day to pretend like I have nothing better to do.)
(Video) A Bit Corny
This picture shows just a portion of what I’ve been hauling in from the Cottage (on wheels) since Saturday. Yes, I got started doing SOMETHING after my day of denying the fact on Friday. I definitely wasted Friday away trying to get my brain transitioned from the wheat field to being “home, home”.