During the growing season in the south and east area of our operation we had less then normal rainfall which sped up the maturity process. It also weakened the stalks as the corn plant put all of it's energy into producing an ear during a dry summer. We were around 12 inches below normal approaching September. Since starting harvest we have received close to 12 inches of rain. 2018 will go into the record books as a normal year. However a foot of rain during harvest has caused some setbacks.
On July 19 we all heard about or experienced the Pella tornado. It headed southeast following the Muchakinock Creek. It twisted up some corn in it's path. Then the last week of August a 75 mph wind blew between Eddyville and Oskaloosa heading south of Cedar flattening a number of acres of corn including our McCracken farm on the Eddyville flats.
Last week while visiting the Ark in Kentucky I received this picture from Jerome, a friend and neighbor to our Denney farm. He is standing in a bean field that was chest high just 2 hours earlier. A hail storm and wind went through the neighborhood just north of Rose Hill destroying buildings, trees, and crops.
Two of our four fields on that farm were in the path of the damage. It stripped all the leaves and even some ears off the stalk leaving the stalks broke off, bruised, and very vulnerable.
Many of you to the north of us have received heavy rains as well this week. As your water headed south the North Skunk River flooded and went out of it's banks. This is a 270 acre bottom farm we custom farm south of Barnes City. Most of the bean crop just 2 weeks from harvest went under water.
Finally Ames, Colfax, and other areas to the northwest extra water due to heavy rains flooded the South Skunk River basin. This is a field we farm on that bottom land. Thanks for the picture Kasey and Alex.
So needless to say there have been some setbacks in harvest. There is some urgency getting the crop out since much of our crop in the southern areas have weak stalks and are just one wind away from going down. We also have committed bushels to Cargill/Eddyville and have obligations there to deliver corn.
My advice for today is not to allow setbacks to be the end of the story. Respond rather than react to situations. Don't play the blame game.
Be grateful to God and those around you for all the positive things happening around you. Remember people are more important than things including crops. Yesterday we harvested at Kurt and Emily's west of Leighton. Thanks for lunch Emily. Also thanks Kristin for supper while combining Thursday evening at Karl and Kristin's. And thank your Aunt for tenderloins this past week Kasey while we combined at your house.
After experiencing setbacks successful people find a path to progress and positiveness. Don't be a victim. After evaluating the setback come up with plan B and find a way forward. Work together for a common goal. It might take extra hours. Continue enjoying life by having a positive attitude.
On Thursday evening we kicked off the new Vo Ag/FFA program at PCHS with a donor appreciation supper. A new FFA chapter requires at least 10 members. Our advisory committee's goal was that 20-25 kids would be interested. There are 57 kids enrolled. Thanks Elly for all your hard work as a new teacher and advisor. Thanks to the Mahaska and Marion County Cattleman for donating and grilling.
Since Pella Christian is a private parent run school all monies for programs must be raised and donated. Around $350,000 was raised for the new Ag program.Thanks to all the donors and businesses who contributed. Below Bank Iowa's James and Mike are in a picture with some FFA students including some of our grandkids.
Allison is in 1st grade. She has learned to ride a motorbike. However she had a small setback.
While trying to keep up with her brothers she ran into the shop. Hang in there Allison. You'll be back on and riding soon. Thanks for the pictures Stacy.
After PCHS's football team having setbacks against Iowa City Regina's team for years including last years 1A state championship game they had a hard fought win on Regina's field Friday evening. Below Mike and Cody, coach and player, as well as father and son, are celebrating the victory. Thanks for the picture Kristin.
Despite a few setbacks I'm so thankful for the faith I've been given in a God that is totally in charge. I'm thankful for the family I've been given to enjoy life with. I'm thankful for great help and the folks we do business with that I consider friends. And finally I'm thankful for this vocation we all work at and love called farming.
Last weekend while visiting The Ark Encounter we were reminded of God's promise in the form of a rainbow. We serve a God that is not only in charge but cares for us and loves us. Does that mean we will have a life without setbacks? Hardly. The Creation Museum we also visited last weekend talked about having setbacks in life when sin entered the world. However we have an Advocate that promises to walk through setbacks with us. Have a good week. Thanks for the pic Brian
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