Trust

 Trust is a confident expectation of something or someone. Fear, doubt, and skepticism can sometimes sneak in on that confidence. Yesterday, on Malaki's 6th birthday, the yard was bustling with activity. Jacob also came with his dad to help.

The McKay family are trusted friends and have helped us for years. They invited Jan and I to their home in Fremont for supper. It was heartwarming to visit and hear their families life story. Cyril is currently pastoring at the Omega church in Oskaloosa. 

I'm thankful for being in an occupation that allows the younger generation to participate and help in  preparing for the day. Yesterday there were four little guys helping their fathers.

As Jan was pulling on an Amish yard first thing Friday to shop at a plant nursery, a young man was also preparing for his day in the field. His line of equipment started with a tillage tool pulled by a set of work horses. He then had another set of work horses attached with a wagon. And finally a horse and buggy taking up the rear, probably his ride home for lunch. Can you imagine the preparation and work involved in just getting ready to head to the field? Although we differ on worldview and purpose, I respect them for their trust and reliance in a higher power. Their example of not allowing Covid to control their lives ought to be an example for the rest of the country.

How can a farmer trust that the seed he puts in the ground will grow? Past experience. Genetics, traits, treatments, and technology. But mostly that God is totally in charge.

Since the counties north of where we live got less rain last week we moved our efforts to Marion and Jasper counties. Alex continues to work on planting soybeans. We have been adding an inoculate on the seed to acres that have not been soybeans recently.  Cool and dry soil conditions for planting has shown over past years not to be an issue. However cool and wet will cause problems so we plan accordingly.

Despite the chill in the air from northwest winds and even the morning frost the seeds in the ground are progressing. Once a seedling gets started in ideal soil conditions it becomes pretty hardy. However planting in wet cold soils is like a baby calf being born in the mud. It's a hard start. Thanks for the picture Joe.

This is a picture from last year during the second week of April. Hopefully this coming Tuesday's cool wet forecast will not turn into a snow event. Thanks for the picture Alex.

Our nitrogen program on corn acres starts with either anhydrous ammonia or hog honey. We add nitrogen to our first pass herbicide with 32% liquid. Then when the corn plant gets about 12 inches tall we finish off with spreading dry treated urea. We use a nitrogen stabilizer to keep the N where it belongs in the crops root zone.

Farming needs diversification these days. Sort of like not all your eggs in one basket. The boys continue to do dirt work. Thanks for the picture at Mark and Stacy's house Mike.

Our fuel trailer was in need of a good clean up and tune up so Alex and Matt worked on it yesterday. This Thunder Creek trailer is a safe and trusted way to haul fuel and DEF fluid to the field. Most higher horsepower tractors burn around 20 gallon of diesel per hour. Take multiple outfits working long days and the diesel fuel usage adds up in a hurry. Our current administration's view and action on oil production will eventually and significantly raise the price we pay for food.

Family owned companies and businesses like LDJ Manufacturing, who build these fuel trailers, are the heartbeat of America, as Chevrolet used to advertise. Loren, who's family owns and operates this company just west of Pella, and I go way back to when our fathers were friends. Our kids went to school together. Loren's family and our family worked together for a number of construction seasons on the new campus of Pella Christian High School 15 years ago. We have a kindred spirit. A kindred spirit means we share and trust the same things and ideas in life. Thanks for the friendship Loren and Jean.

Bev, on KCWN 99.9 FM, interviewed another classmate of mine this past week. After trucking livestock for about 14 years Dale became a financial advisor. He also announced Friday night football games. He was diagnosed with stage IV cancer about 14 months ago. There is no cure. We have talked on these visits before about "hanging on loosely" to our things here on earth because everything belongs to the Lord. Dale shared about "hanging on loosely" to life here on earth because his diagnosis is terminal. He told Bev he totally trusts God for what future he has left here and is unafraid. What a contrast to a culture the last while scared of Covid. Humanly speaking he has a 100% chance of dying in the not to distant future, yet totally puts his trust in his Creator and is going to live the rest of his days to the fullest. Thanks for the friendship Dale and Kathy. Thanks for the interview Bev.

Jim and Barb were married yesterday and we enjoyed time together last evening at the Pioneer Nelson Farm. Jim and Barb both lost their previous spouses. Five years ago after Jim's wife died I stopped at his home in Beacon with some food and asked if he would be interested in a part time job. Jim has the unbelievable ability to build or fix about anything. He is also the mayor of Beacon. He is a trusted friend. Congratulations Jim and Barb. Jim is one of ten children and we always enjoy his stories.

Thanks for the visit.