We finished the acres we came to Limon for yesterday afternoon. Continue reading
Tag Archives: farmers
The Sweet, Sweet Smell of Rain
I thought we were done yesterday because the red combines were sitting in the yard and our strip was finished. So, I was surprised late in the afternoon when I got back from the elevator and saw the combine headed to another mile long strip. I asked Jim what was going on and he said, “They’re being good to us”. Thanks, guys, we certainly appreciate it! The best part of this job is working for some of the best people in the world! I truly am going to miss them.
A Record Setting Day
There were a couple of records set yesterday.
- Yesterday’s temperature broke records in Denver (and probably Limon).
- We cut the most wheat in one day – ever.
Cutting Wheat in the Desert
We were back in the field today before 10:00 a.m. I know we could have been there earlier but we had to get the equipment serviced and moved to the first field which takes time. The fields we cut here are in mile long strips. I like cutting these because there’s very little turning and it feels like you get a lot accomplished in a short period of time. Each field is approximately 100 acres – we were able to get two of them cut today. Unfortunately, the yields aren’t as good as we’ve been cutting this summer. Jim thought we’d be lucky if we cut 20 bushel wheat here.
Back in the Wheat Field!
YES! We were able to get started cutting wheat on Monday. As you can see from the temperature in Lakin on that day, it was plenty warm. Today (Tuesday) was hot (101), as well, and HORRIBLY windy!
Back to Just the Two of Us
Today, we were able to pick up more work.
It felt real odd being in the field without the Reimer crew!! I enjoyed the activity the larger crew brought to the day and feeling like part of a team. However, today was what I was used to and it felt nice, too. One machine means a slower pace! For most of the week, me and Frank were on the road constantly. Today meant a little more breathing time.
The Final Round of Job #1
The wind blew today. It blew so hard, it blew the mud flaps right off Frank! I believe the southerly “breeze” was blowing as hard as 40-45 mph. I faced my truck towards the east most of the day so that when it was time to roll the tarp, it was rolling with the wind. If I had it facing west and tried rolling it, the wind would catch the tarp, blow it up and probably tear it right off the box. I DIDN’T need that to happen! Sometimes, if I had to face Frank in a different direction, the grain cart driver would block the wind so the tarp wasn’t in jeopardy. It was warm again – 92 – but with the wind, it made it more tolerable being in the truck.
First Day “On The Road Again” – 2012
We got started just a little later than Jim thought we might today. Tieing up loose ends takes longer than you might think – especially when you know the two pieces going first won’t have a service truck full of tools following them. Jim does a good job of knowing what tools he “might” need on the road and usually, if we need something, he’s got it. It certainly would be nice to have the full inventory to choose from, should the need arise. But, that’s how we’ve done it most of our years of being on the road.
IT’S TIME!
HAPPY MAY DAY!
We were supposed to have left yesterday for Texas with the first load. It decided to rain on Sunday (which was a surprise to all of us) and it set Jim behind a day. We loaded the combine (Jim’s truck) and the header (my truck) late this afternoon. If things go accordingly, we will be on the road again tomorrow.
I’m having mixed emotions about this, though. We’ll be leaving without Taylor and Callie (and Jamie, Curt & Jenna). I’ve sort of come to the conclusion that when all the kids are no longer going with us, this could be a tough time of year – worse than it is already. Harvest just isn’t quite the same without the girls! I’ve never had an issue with leaving before because ALL of what’s important with home has been with us. Now, it’s getting weird 🙂 At least I have the end of May to look forward to – that’s when T & C will be joining us.
The wheat’s changing fast. I’m hoping that once we get home again we won’t have to turn right around and head back. My feelings are that it will be CHAOS when we get back!
Unfortunately, the number of people who have no idea where their food comes from is growing. If we don’t begin realizing the importance of teaching the next generation about the farm and agriculture, we could be in for a “whole heap of trouble”. After being to the East Coast and talking custom harvesting and combines (DC), I realize there are a lot of people who just assume their bread comes from a grocery store. In 10 more years, the average age of the American farmer will be nearly 70. Have we done too good of a job of pushing our younger generation away from the farm or will they step up and take over the job? It’s time we start preparing for the future!