Fall Partners

Farming is a family affair around our place. Last evening Jan picked up 7  pizzas and brought them to the field where we were custom combining corn. If you would like to try some good pizza, try Mike's Pizza and Steakhouse sometime on the north end of Ottumwa. Thanks for the picture Jan.

                             

On Monday after school 9 year old Malaki ran grain cart while Grandpa combined beans around home. The crew and two bigger combines were up north cutting custom beans. On Friday 10th grader, Elliot, followed the combines with the batwing mower, mowing field edges, terraces, and waterways. Yesterday Elliot and his older brother Ezra both ran graincarts for custom combining corn. 

We continue to harvest both corn and soybeans. However the bean harvest is down to some later planted bottoms. ADM Des Moines, one of the places we sell soybeans, is closing this coming week for 6 to 8 weeks of maintenance and repair.

There is wisdom in handling and solving troubles with multiple heads. BJ and his son John, And Dean and his son Matt, are helping Karl fix an electrical issue on his roll tarp. K & K AG is Karl and Kristin. There are four sons that own their own trucks.

We finished the week harvesting corn. No one talks about it much, however I think harvesting 13% corn is less yield than harvesting 22-25% corn. And I'm not just talking about drydown and field loss.

Thursday and Friday  we hauled around 75 semi loads to the processor. Having a close market for corn that grinds 275000 bu/day is a blessing. and in a week or two I'm going to write a story about the history of that blessing starting 40 years ago.

Yesterday we switched from our own acres to custom acres. And brought about 40 loads to the local elevator and storage bins. A huge thank you to our extended family, our full time and part time helpers, who all contributed to another huge week. And a special thanks to Papa Jon who offered to take the after supper shift for me to watch the bin auger, so I could pay my grandkids and pick out pictures for this morning's story. 

On Thursday a group of friends and neighbors got together and took out crops for a friend who passed away after just 5 weeks of cancer. Mark and Stacy's Ethan helped haul corn to DFS elevator. Our community had another loss Friday evening when a car hit a tractor, killing two parents and seriously injuring a child.

I've been reading some historical fiction where the author writes stories about her Norwegian descendants immigrating to the Red River Valley in North Dakota in the late 1800s. The 20 book series are stories about triumphs and tragedies, of grit and gratitude, of faith and family, as they start farming in a new country.

As of the latest USDA data, about 1.3% of our U.S. workforce is directly employed in farming. Yet, whether you farm or not, I'm sure most all of you can look to a time in your family's history where farming had an impact on your purpose, responsibility, and work ethic. It's also nearly impossible to farm without a faith in a Creator.

I feel blessed to be part of a family that's in that 1% of farmers feeding the world. And I'm convinced that part of the downfall of our country is the devil trying to break up the family structure, including the extended family. Below Karl and Kristin's, Tatum, is snuggling up to Uncle BJ after our supper in the field. Blessings. 

 

Our Journeys

A journey is going from one place to another. It's often physical to a destination. It can also be metaphorical like personal progress. Our visit this morning is about the process and not the destination. Journeys come with challenges, accomplishments, growth, and learning.

Week six of our harvest journey was long and productive. And as we stopped for bacon cheese burgers, french fries, and onion rings from the Longhorn Saloon in Barns City last night, I felt a little like Jacob and Malaki below, who are resting against a toolbox in Kurt's pickup while eating their meal. I usually don't mention yields. However we experienced an inverted situation this week. Early in the week we harvested on poorer soils with bean yields in the 70s and 80s/bpa. As we looked forward to harvesting on better dirt in a different community we were surprised at bean yields in the 50s and 60s/bpa. Yields were affected this year by planting date, early spring aggressive cover crop, and where it did or didn't rain in August.

I can't put my finger on it, however I feel a sense of urgency for getting the crop in this year. Two unique things happened this week. It's the first week of October and the coops and grain elevators are close to full of soybeans for a couple of reasons. Some folks didn't sell last year's stored beans because of down prices. And good 2024 soybean yields. The other unique thing is how fast and how far this crop in the field is drying down. We've heard and experienced 7-8% beans. And 11-13% corn. This actually hurts yield because of weight loss, harvest loss, and that phantom yield loss on drying grain we talked about a couple of weeks ago. Below we rented a bin to a customer we're harvesting soybeans for.

We visited about last weekend's journey to southern California. I was surprised that the plane cabin is kept dark during the day with window covers down and lights off. Everyone is on their phones and iPad.

Our helper Alex and his fiancé Alexis took some time off this week, flew to Colorado, and hiked up a mountain over 14000 feet tall. Good job kiddos. And thanks for the picture.

We had guests come this past Wednesday morning to experience harvest and ask questions about farming. They were from all over America, Mexico, and Europe. They were corn syrup buyers and users. And represented most soda pop companies. Thanks for helping out Mark and Ethan.

Wednesday noon they were invited to watch our grandson Ethan empty a load of our corn at the west dump in Eddyville. Thanks for the new friendships folks. And thanks for the picture Brenda.

Wrapping up I'd like to close with three questions. How is your relationship journey going? Are you caring, nurturing, and investing in others, giving them a greater sense of purpose?

During an evening meal in the field at Galesburg little Sydnie (at the table with Kristin and Rindy) was asked to pray. She used the Lord's Prayer word for word. I also like personal prayers, but Wow! What a blessing to hear such a little one talk to her Heavenly Father.

How is your sharing and giving journey going? When we start with the premise that everything we have is God's, there is such a joy in giving. Most folks think people are blessed and then they give. That's backwards. One gives and then they are blessed, even though giving and sharing must come from the heart. It starts with sacrifice, trust, and faith.

How is your faith journey and where are you headed? The previous two journeys don't come naturally without a relationship with our Creator. Life is lonely if our purpose is self. Also journeys eventually and inevitably lead to a destination. Three friends about my age from our community finished their journey on earth in the last ten days. All three spoke of their assurance of eternal life. Our faith journey is a big deal. "I think I'm ok" or "I hope I'm good enough" isn't enough. Blessings.

A Good Name

A good name is more than just a label or a brand. It reflects values, character, and reputation. It takes action and not just intention. A good name means living in a way that earns the trust of others.

                              

3000 years ago Solomon wrote in Proverbs 22:1 "A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than wealth". This was written by a man who had more riches and wealth than anyone in his time.  

This was our 4th full week of harvest. We have been busy combining both corn and soybeans. And going to the bin as well as the processor. Yields, moisture, and quality continue to be excellent.

Kristin and family rode with Karl while harvesting beans on a rented farm near their home. What a blessing to have an occupation where family is included. Thanks for the picture.

On Wednesday afternoon Ezra got out of school at noon, and he and I were able to finish up a soybean field on the Long farm while the other combines and crew moved on to the next project. I am definitely blessed to be able to work with my grandkids. 

At 3am on Thursday morning Jan and I headed for the airport and flew to southern California. Life on the west coast is different than southern Iowa. We rented and drove a Range Rover. With $4.80/gallon gas. On a 12 lane highway. At Walmart we visited with a 60 year old employee making $17/hour, and living in a 3 million dollar home. We visited the ocean beach, and watched a couple of dozen kids surfing the waves.

We were invited by Joel and Lynn to a Joshua Fund charity event in Carlsbad, CA. Joel is an American-Israeli best selling author writing 16 novels about Middle Eastern terrorism. The Joshua fund is a charitable organization working in Israel and surrounding countries to support and help advance evangelistic efforts, spread the gospel, and help individuals and families in need.  

We enjoyed worship together. Our music was led by musical artist Aaron Shust. We heard stories and updates on Israel's multiple conflicts. We prayed together for Israel's protection and wisdom. The Christian community was thanked for their help and concern. As Israel often feels the world is against them.

On Saturday afternoon we met up with Pastor Dale and Renee who now live in Escondido, CA. They pastored our church from 2006 to 2016. Their daughters are married and they have two grandchildren.

Wrapping up, a good name is not possible on our own. We were born sinful and inadequate. Trying to be good and spiritual isn't enough. What good we have is by God's grace. Having said that, a good name makes a difference in our purpose in life. Both in how others perceive it, and the one that bears it.

You don't need to be SOMEONE or SOMETHING to have a good name. God needs humble, simple, and sincere. And He calls us to love the least, the last, and the lost. When Christ rode into Jerusalem the week before He died for our wrongs, He didn't come as a king on a horse. He came as a servant on a donkey. And when we leave this earth as we all will, we look forward to hearing our name followed by, "Well done, good and faithful servant. Even as you have served the least of these, you have served Me". 

Living In Iowa

Sharing life with you all to reminds myself of the blessings we experience living in a rural, agricultural setting. Living in Iowa aligns well with my love for farming and family life. Thursday noon Matt and Greg, our Becks DSM and agronomists, brought our crew lunch.

Earlier in the week we harvested both corn and soybeans at Kurt and Emily's place west of Leighton.

Iowa has a sense of community and is known for it's friendliness. Most folks wave while driving. And when you're waiting in line at the corn processor its a good place to catch up with your neighbors. Like Ron, Leon, Larry, and Marvin.

There were days this past week when we picked corn in the morning and combined soybeans in the afternoon. Brothers and twins, Kurt and Karl are here switching the machines over.

It didn't take Kurt and Emily's boys long to take their motorcycles out on a harvested soybean field across from their house after their Dad and Uncles finished. Thanks for the picture Emily.

One evening after volleyball practice Kristin brought supper out. Since we were close we just ate together in the bunkhouse.

While agriculture is prominent, I've always told you diversification is key to making a living in Iowa. Kurt and Emily have purchased a wood fired pizza trailer, started a company called Boonies Wood Fired Pizza, and are available should you need a food vendor at your next event.

There is more to life than just work. And Iowa is unique in it's past-time. Last evening Brian and Becky's son Ezra raced in a Red Neck Rally race and finished well. He was helped by his friends and co-workers where he works part-time at Central Tire and Auto Repair. After the race he is being congratulated by his cousins and friends.

Ezra's cousins Ethan (Mark and Stacy) and John (BJ and Cassia) also raced side by sides at the same event and won their race. While watching from the pits Becky and I visited about how taking risk as a teenager prepares them for life.

Kurt and Emily attended a birthday party last evening for a young friend where they attended the rodeo at the Keokuk Expo grounds. Below are brothers Jackson, Jayden, and Lane watching through the fence. Their older cousin Gideon rode bulls in rodeos in his younger years. Gideon is now married. And he and Emily have a daughter Oakley. Thanks for the picture Kurt.

Jan has been shopping at Dutchman's Store in Cantril, Iowa since it opened in 1985. Clair and Virgina along with their Mennonite family operate an old time general store with a variety of items at affordable prices. Sons Wilmer, Kevin, and Kenneth have since also joined the family business. The Zimmerman family originated from Lancaster County, PA. After years of postponements and red tape, their new building on Hwy 2 opened for business Friday. And Jan was there for the grand opening. Thanks for the picture Jan.

In Iowa we get to experience all four seasons, and today is officially the first day of fall. We also have seasons in community. We work together and play together as we have visited about this morning. We celebrate together like birthdays and graduations, many at our cabin. We worship together like today in church or concerts on the square. We still pray for each other when a neighbor is struggling with health or work. And we hurt together when there is a loss like our community has experienced this past week. Thanks for the picture Karl.

Today's culture wants us to have enmity with God and isolation with each other. We need to push back on that. Is your lifestyle life-giving or life-taking? We need more than just absence of chaos. And that starts with community. Blessings.

Actual Or Artificial Intelligence

In 1970 our 8th grade our class went on a field trip to Indian Hills Community College to see a computer. It was as big as a large room. In 1975 Jan and I attended a Farm Bureau Young Member Conference where we were introduced to Farm Bureau Records, one of the first computer record keeping services. In the late 1970s we bought an old rock quarry scale with our neighbor to weigh wagon loads of grain.

Fifty years later technology is part of our lives. Our smartphones have way more power and speed than that first large computer. And what used to take us all winter to collect information on our crop production, we now have instantly in our combine cabs. And then is weighed and recorded by field name and destination when the crop is unloaded on the go into graincarts which use a management system called Libra Cart. Finally the info that used to go to the tax man and banker in a shoebox is now on our phones instantly by a Bluetooth app.

Alexa turns on our radios without getting up. Hey Siri helps make phone calls without dialing. Miss Garmin gives us directions to an unknown location without a map. And OnStar tells us when we have low tire pressure without a tire gauge.

It takes technology these days to give us instant information. It takes intelligence to know what we do with this information. Intelligence is the ability to apply knowledge, solve problems, process information, and make decisions.

Recently technology is being programmed to think, learn, and perform tasks including problem-solving, decision making, recognizing patterns, and performing tasks. This is called Artificial Intelligence (AI)

This is my brother Bill working on a new electrical service for us at the Morgan farm just east of our place. Matt and Ben are helping him. In Bible times Jesus had a brother James that wrote a book. In chapter 1 verse 5 he says: "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously without finding fault, and it will be given to you". Wisdom is the biblical definition of intelligence.

Jan came up with an amazing recipe for apples that doesn't use sugar. She has canned two batches and is considering one more. It's a pie filling for dessert pizza. But I eat it straight out of the jar.

23 years ago last Wednesday our country was attacked on 9/11. Most adults back then remembered exactly what they were doing when they heard the news. I was getting bins ready for harvest. Our daughter Becky called me from college. Jan was bringing Kurt and Karl to school. Our churches were full. Our whole country prayed. On United Flight 93 that crashed in the Pennsylvania countryside, Todd asked the telephone operator, Lisa to recite the 23rd Psalm with him over the phone before they stormed the cockpit and brought the plane down. "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life. And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever". And that's where Todd is at today. Thanks for remembering Andy.

I missed a lot of school as a kid. I don't have a secondary education. I've not been trained formally for anything. I've even been told my thought process lacks spiritual depth in our visits. It's not my goal to think denominationally or doctrinally. I just share my heart. And have decided that's enough.

And I'm in good company. Another Bible story. Acts 4:13. "As they observed the confidence of John and Peter. And understood that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed". The church leaders of the day felt these men were not qualified to understand the traditions and the law. They were just fishermen. Yet they could not deny the amazing things Peter and John were saying and doing.

Intelligence in my mind is wisdom. Wisdom does not come from age, experience, or education. Wisdom is God-given. The ability to make good decisions based on information starts with gratitude, grit, humility, service and relationships. Speaking of relationships, one of my favorite times of fall is when the gals bring supper to the field. Thanks Cassia, Kristin, and Emily. 

What about you this morning? Need any help making decisions? Ask God. He promises to help!