Times Are Changing

In the 1970s most farmers were in that 200-300 acre size. This was the era when farms were starting a corn/soybean rotation, which was a change from corn/oats/ hay. In 1973 corn and soybean prices doubled. New farm pickups were $5000. A new large tractor was $10000. Machinery companies were coming out with cabs on tractors and combines. House rent was $75-$90/month. Thanks for the early morning picture Kasey. We use this 40 yr old 400 bushel grain cart for leftovers when finishing a field.

I was visiting with a grandson on the 2 way. I told him when I was his age I helped my Dad harvest with an IH 303 and 2 row corn head. I started farming in 1974 with an IH 715. It had a 4 row corn head and 13 ft. bean head. On a 200 acre rotation farm there was 100 acres corn @ 150bpa and 100 acres of soybeans @ 40bpa. That meant our crop to be harvested for the year was 15000 bu. of corn and 4000 bu. of beans. Most farmers can harvest that much in a day or less today. Thanks for the picture.

I'm not suggesting today's farming is better or worse. I'm saying today's farming has radically changed. Some may say the change is about having more. I call the Ag change today the "Walmart mentality". Today farmers are required to do more for less. In the 1970s a line of machinery was around $25000. Today many farmers' line of machinery cost 100 times that, even though their farm size may be 10 times the size of 50 years ago. Our crew harvested a lot of soybeans this past week both our own and custom work. 

While our crew worked on soybeans, I worked on combining corn on smaller farms. Yesterday, as I was harvesting by myself, I was reminded of the "old days" when it was just Jan and myself. Life has changed and we are blessed.

Kudos to daughter-in-laws, Kristin, Emily, and Cassia, for again bringing evening meals to the field. They are feeding three generations. Below, Kristin brought supper as we harvested for Dan and Vicki.

With the ability to grow crops twice the size of 50 years ago, and soybean exports around 25% of what they were just a few years back, commodity prices are at 5 yr lows. This means farmers are either subsidizing crops with other "gigs" (diversification), or they are living off their equity (past years income).

Things have changed on the cultural front as well. Our main clash is not optimism vs, activism. It's not right vs. left. It's not conservatism vs liberalism. No more subtleness. Today it's good vs, evil. America is divided. And we are at a serious crossroads. Will we stand up and be unashamed of truth and the gospel? Or will we stay comfortable and hope things change on their own? Kudos to Cornerstone Church in Pella for engaging last Sunday evening.

"Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.... It must be fought for, protected, and handed on to the next generation to do the same. Or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children's children what it was once like in the United States when men were free". -Ronald Reagan

I'm always encouraged when churches stick their neck out, and take a risk, for the purpose of reaching those that don't know the Lord yet. There is a place for 50 year traditions. There must also be a place for change in how we engage in our culture and reach the lost. Kudos to Omega Church for taking a risk this morning @ 10:45. 

Balancing Urgency And Patience

Last Sunday evening Jan and I attended a Jeremy and Adrienne Camp concert at UNI in Cedar Falls. One of the songs they sing is Keep Me In The Moment- "I've been thinking about time, and where does it go. How can I stop my life from passing me by, I don't know".

Early last evening the Saturday crew was discussing whether to call it a week or to move on to the next farm. The calendar, the crop conditions, and the weather are all saying it's time to keep working at it. Thanks for the picture overlooking the Skunk River bottom Karl.

Patience comes in using the younger grandkids. Jackson, a sixth grader, is keeping the corn away from his Dad's (Kurt) combine. He even loaded semis by himself. Jackson put in a long day helping harvest Howell Station near Pella on Wednesday.

Urgency comes after a wind we had on Tuesday night blew down some corn. I'm guessing space to put the crop will come into play in various communities as well.

It's early for applying hog honey. However with firm dry fields and full pits, there seems to be an urgency with this job as well. Thanks for helping out Roger.

In any job, you can't accomplish your goals without fuel. In running equipment, that's diesel, and we have two loads coming Monday along with DEF. In life, that's purpose, and we use energy and attitude for the long days. In our faith walk, that's being unashamed, and we use speaking the truth without fear, loving, being an example of good, and confronting evil. In our current culture, I hope the church feels the urgency to reach folks who don't know the Lord yet, and to stand in the gap and take a stand against darkness.

A health update: After more tests on Jan, we agree with a surgeon in Iowa City to monitor the tumor growth with another scan early next year. If it's growing, it comes out. If it's not, there are options. It's been 8 weeks since surgeon Dr Jesse removed around a third of my colon. At a visit with the cancer team four weeks later, I passed on the chemo recommendation. This past Tuesday at a visit with that same team, the doctor said that after more blood work, he was comfortable with my decision. Jan and I don't have the words to thank you all enough for all your prayers, words of encouragement, and friendships.

                             

After being sold out overnight a week ago the worship service at 5:30 this evening at Cornerstone church in Pella, with Steve Deace as speaker, has a few openings. It's free. If you want to go however you must register. Email: Iamnotashamedevent@gmail.com 

Like Jeremy Camp's song, I've been thinking about our week, and where did it go? On the one hand last Sunday feels like ages ago. On the other hand it's Sunday again, already! Jeremy's song ends with, "Help me live with my eyes wide open, 'cause I don't want to miss what You have for me". Knowing and following what God has for us is the secret to balancing urgency and patience. How can one know that plan and purpose? When praying, don't do all the talking. Give yourself time to listen. Thoughts, ideas, and words will come to mind. Thanks for the picture Karl. Blessings.

Home Of The Brave

"The two most important days in your life are the day you were born, and the day you find out why". -Mark Twain.  Thanks for the picture Alex.

Harvest continues as weather and unloading space allows. Kudos to Governor Kim for allowing expanded truck weights up to 90,000# on Iowa roads.

"You don't want school to interfere with your education". -Mark Twain. I need to share that our grandkids go some amazing Christian schools with dedicated teachers. I smile however remembering a discussion we had in our farm office Friday morning with Steve from Dordt University about whether or not college prolongs adolescence. Thanks for running grain cart Malaki. Malaki is a 5th grader. 

On Wednesday morning we welcomed Cargill employees from Minneapolis, MN, along with several end user customers to Kurt and Emily's farm. We enjoyed each others company while we waited for trucks to return so we could give combine rides. Thanks for the picture Emily.

We have cut around 250 acres of soybeans at Karl and BJ's. They were group 2.5 and 2.8 varieties planted in early April. Moisture ran from 11 to 13%. Yields were encouraging.

Six years ago we received a call from Ken and Esther to come to their home in Pella for a visit. They asked our family to rent their farm ground. Ken passed away early last Sunday morning.

Three years ago we transitioned to working with Ken and Esther's children. Thanks to Karen, Keith, and Kathy for trusting us with your ground. We value the friendships. Thanks for the picture Kathy.

There seems to be a shift possible in the breezes of the culture of our country, after the deaths of Charlie, the young Ukrainian gal on public transportation, and the shooting of kids during a Mass at a Catholic school in Minneapolis, Minnesota. As Christians will we pray for revival? Will we be brave enough to act on it? Or will we worry about what others might think, not want to get our hands dirty, and decide it's not our mission?

I remember my parents saying there would come a time when one could no longer live comfortably and quietly in the middle, in the gray area, compromising, hoping evil would leave on it's own. That good would have to be brave enough to make a stand. Folks, that time is here. We were born for such a time as this. We can no longer sit on the fence, in the middle ground. You either embrace Jesus as your Lord, and act on it, or you don't.

When asked (tested), will you be ashamed or unashamed to make a stand in a world that so desperately needs the hope of Jesus Christ? Kudos to Cornerstone Church in Pella for having a Praise and Worship service, for hosting Steve Deace as speaker, and for challenging attendees, where do we go from here, next Sunday evening. Action from brave folks will save a way of life for our grandchildren. I realize this is a little hard hitting. It's what's on my mind today. Blessings.

A Difference Maker

Let's visit about difference makers this morning. Those on the scene. But also those behind the scenes. Folks are craving men and women with principles today. The devil wants weak, comfortable, non-engaged Christians, especially men. Charlie was a Christian that engaged in a civil way. And was having a positive impact. As Anna said on the radio earlier this week, evil didn't kill Charlie because they hated him. They killed him because he stood for faith, freedom, and family. And that folks, means evil hates you and me as well.

13 years ago Charlie went to CPAC as an 18 year old full of dreams, wanting to make an impact on our culture. There he met Foster and Lynn. Foster believed in Charlie's dreams and gave him his start.

I was not blessed to meet Charlie. However we have a hand full of mutual friends. We also both tended to lose our voice regularly, and use mint tea and honey to combat that. Thanks Jan.

Foster also believed in Tucker and helped him with his restart, making a positive difference in a negative world.

15 years ago four friends of mine believed in this gentleman and started a company. Today Steve is making a difference, not only on Blaze, but all over the country with books, movies, and media.

To my grandkids: What's your dream? You are going to be the difference makers. In your faith walk. In your current and future families. In your businesses. As are us older folks, your days are numbered. Start young and make them count. John, Ezra, and Malaki ran the three grain carts that kept the corn away from the combines yesterday that Uncle BJ and Uncle Karl were running. Eliott ran the batwing mower, cleaning up the field edges and waterways.

Iowa is a conservative state. Yet our public schools had dozens of teachers that celebrated Charlie's death. And leaders that seem to have a lack of body parts to do something about it without being pressured. We need school board members to step up and get a handle on what children are being taught.

Because of being slow health wise this summer our kids have been difference makers in my life. After a bin spout came loose and dumped around 150 bushel of corn on the ground, BJ came by without being asked and got things fixed up.

With dozer work being slow right now, Mike hooked up the chisel and started getting ready for our next crop. A farmer needs to be an eternal optimist, always looking forward, in faith.

This past week we celebrated the lives of a couple of older members of our community that passed away. Glen and Gerri were not only difference makers in their individual families, but in our community as well. I remember Gerri teaching countless kids piano lessons as a farm wife. I remember Glen and Lee parking their family's corn planter on Sundays in spite of the seed company asking for crucial timing and all their neighbors running.

To our kids and grandkids: While on our vacation in South Dakota, we all chose a word that reflected our personality and one we wanted to be remembered for. You all chose awesome words. Stacy took our words and had Amelia make Grandma and I a plaque. I challenge you all to use your word to be a difference maker in others' lives. Once in awhile on the scene, but mostly behind the scenes.

10 years ago Foster stayed at our home while visiting Iowa. His father was a rancher and he grew up on a farm. Foster was a difference maker in countless folk's lives behind the scenes, and has been an example I've tried to follow. Foster died in 2021, and Jan and I were blessed to be invited to his graveside service in Rice Lake, Wisconsin. His family took his casket to the cemetery in the back of his old pickup.

A Lasting Impact

Harvest has started earlier this fall in southern Iowa. Test weight is not an issue. Moisture has nose dived due to dead plants as a result of southern rust. Yields are ok to good in the non fungicide sprayed fields, and great in fields sprayed with fungicides.

Southern rust started blowing in from southern United States in late July. We don't see this disease often here. With a wetter summer and warm dewy nights, it decided to stay, grow, and spread. A fungicide application was effective for postponing the plant death it caused. Stalk quality will be an issue later in the harvest season.

This post reminded me of last week's story. 1974 was my first crop after Walter passed away. I sold corn for $3.30/bu. that fall to Warder and Lee Elevator in Webster, Iowa. Since I was a senior in high school, and had few living expenses, I took my year's profit and bought a new 1974 Chevy Scotsdale 3/4 ton pickup from La Franz Chevrolet. The sticker price was $5200.

As far as a health update I have opted to pass on chemotherapy, and go with blood tests every 3 months. My lymph nodes were clean. However chemo was suggested because of the "just in case" scenario due to the advanced stage of my colon cancer.

After tests and multiple visits with brain surgeons, Jan has scheduled an MRI early next year to check if the tumor in her brain is growing. If it isn't growing she has an option to continue life with her mild symptoms. If it is growing, surgery will be scheduled. 

Since a fair amount of our family's crop has been forward contracted we have an obligation to deliver it to the processor during harvest. Since so many are delivering corn around here this has been a tough job. So we have had some early mornings with trucks in line. We have around 25% of our corn crop delivered. Thanks for the picture Kasey.

One of the jobs that often gets pushed to the back burner is following the combines with the bat wing mower and cleaning up the field edges and waterways after harvest. So I've asked grandkids to help with this job after school. This picture was taken by a neighbor looking east toward what we call the "Eddyville Flats" just north of Eddyville. Thanks for the picture Kym.

Kudos to grandson John for helping his much younger cousin Lane drive grain cart.  Thanks for the picture John.

Yesterday the gals had a bridal shower for John's fiancé, Ella. John and Ella get married November 7. The good looking "older" gal in the middle is my wife Jan. The middle aged gals are our daughter and daughter-in-laws which we love dearly. And finally, Ella, who we can't wait to have join our family. Thanks for the picture.

So what is the summer of 2025 teaching me? We've shared with you all earlier that God's power is made perfect in my weakness. Also as I reflect, what impact is being left on these next generations? It's not about handling corn diseases, or crop size, or markets, or even health. I've made my share of mistakes on these issues this summer. My goal is to live out my faith, and be an example of blessing others. My prayer is that this has a lasting impact that outlives me, through family, vocation, and community.

Walter

In the middle of a summer full of unexpected events come blessings we couldn't have predicted. I'd like to share a story this morning that shows God has a plan and purpose for all of us. And the jobs He has for us in the summer of 2025, like having the desire and ability to be a small part of a concert on the square in southern Iowa last night, God actually puts people and events in place in our lives years earlier for His good. Thanks for the picture Merribeth.

We received a random FB message from a gal in Georgia earlier in August asking if I knew a Boender who was a hired hand for her Grandfather 55 years ago. After confirming that was me, Deb made arrangements to fly to her cousin Meg in Wisconsin, and then drive down to Iowa together, to remember her family's history.

After meeting at our shop we drove north of Osky to see where their parents had grown up, and to see where their grandfather Walter was farming when he passed away. They had attended his funeral when they were 13 and 10 yrs old. We found Walter's D17 AC tractor thanks to my cousin Stan. We found Walter, his wife, his parents, and his sister in Forest cemetery thanks to Mark.

As briefly as possible I'd like to share Walter's story and how God used him, his son Bill (Deb's father), and my father to prepare for the rest of our purposes. Thanks for the picture of 3 families of cousins on the first day of school Stacy.

I didn't want to go to school. When I asked my Dad if I could stay home, he said no. I needed to face my own battles. I was the new kid in 9th grade at North Mahaska. "Randy the Butcher", a senior was picking on me, and Mr. Atkins had paired us together in a PE wrestling match. As I was sitting near the mat fearful, Emory, another senior, (now BJs landlord) said not to sell myself short. I fought like I'd been throwing bales of hay all summer of 1970. I pinned him. Life got good. The boys slapped me on the shoulders. The girls smiled and said hi to me in the school halls. Coach Atkins asked me to play football. And for the first time in my life I loved school.

The turn of events caught my Dad by surprise when I excitedly came home and said I had been asked to join the football team. My Dad told me if I had time to practice ball after school, I had time to get a job.

This is where Walter comes in. Dad took me to meet an elderly farmer that raised sheep and drove AC tractors, neither of which I knew much about. Walter and I became friends and I helped him on afternoons and evenings my 9th, 10th, and 11th grades of high school.

One evening in early November of 1973 I went to chore and noticed things weren't right. Walter went to town every evening for supper. And on this evening his yellow Olds was home. I found Walter. He had passed away of a heart attack earlier that day. I called my Dad. I called information for his son, Bill's phone number. And I made that difficult call to Athens, Georgia, to tell Bill (Deb's Dad) that his father had passed away.

Bill flew to Iowa the next morning. He asked me to be a pallbearer with 5 other old guys. Bill asked me to make ready and line up machinery for a farm sale later. And Bill asked me to rent this 200 acre farm 50/50 during my senior year of high school. Thanks for the picture Kasey.

I finished my senior year at PCHS in May of 1974. I asked Jan to marry me in December. We started our lives together in March of 1975. And the rest, up till this summer, is history (His-story) as they say.

I was reminded this summer of God's faithfulness 55 years ago. I thank God for Emory on that wrestling mat with encouragement, for Walter, for his son and his granddaughters, for sure Jan who joined my life with nothing more than love, an FHA loan, and a promise to try my hardest. But most of all I thank God for my father, who said no to football, who took me to Walter, who allowed his firstborn to start farming at 17 years old, losing his right hand on the farm. It's late and time to quit. Maybe updates on health and harvest next week. Blessings.