StillwatersIowa

The Amish communities struggle with the same temptations we Englishers do. We both live in an imperfect world. They have a Pennsylvania Dutch word they use called "hochmut". It's a word for pride, arrogance, and haughtiness. "Hochmut" goes further than just pride. It means wanting one's own way. With no consideration of others. Thanks for the picture.   Last Wednesday our crew spent the morning in class. We are required to spend three hours a year for continuing education in order to keep our commercial sprayer license current. Bummer. Our purple Peterbuilt started using motor oil and smoking. That means an engine overhaul. So much for trimming the repair budget this year. After our snow event here in southern Iowa in early January, we've been extremely dry again. This past week we started closing up corn stalk ground going to soybeans this spring. Trying to save as much moisture as possible. Thanks for the help Elijah. Kudos to Ethan who helped us on se...

It's mid February. It takes courage not to get caught up in the doldrums of winter. Brynn is taking care of her little brother Tatum. This is the time of year we need to work at continuing to improve. The equipment. The process. The people. The timing. The planning. A good plan now is better than a perfect plan later. On Wednesday morning our family hosted a Becks PFR planter clinic. After a breakfast of eggs, biscuits and gravy, sausages, cinnamon rolls, and coffee, Clayton went over maintenance, repairs, and settings on JD, Kinze, and CIH planters. Kudos to Luke and his crew for helping us get some lime spread. Mike continues to build terraces in-spite of a little winter weather coming back this week. Thanks for the picture Mike. BJ and John put in some long days continuing to pattern tile. north of Ottumwa. Thanks for the picture BJ . Karl continues to haul in seed. Our seed shed is full. Before you know it we will be delivering to the customer. Kurt used a grain vac to vac out ...

Twelve years ago this month Jan and I visited my sister Beth and her family in southeastern Africa where she was teaching English. During that visit, I met, became friends with, and continue to be friends with a South African farmer. While visiting his farm I asked him how he did his marketing. I'll never forget his answer. He said,"Steve, we do business under a shade tree". What that answer meant was with the lack of infrastructure, red tape, inefficiencies, and a work force that didn't have the ability or desire to work, he adapted to his environment. This past week I've had a number of examples that reminded me of changes happening in our country. During early morning coffee I learned we have a couple of rural routes in our community that don't have mail delivery to their home due to lack of help. They have been asked to pick their mail up at their local post office during certain hours. I also received a call this week from a crop retailer asking that we s...

Last Sunday our week started off with the blessing of watching Karl and Kristin's, Tatum, receive baptism. Karl and his kids sang, Great Is Thy Faithfulness. Keith, an elder and friend, held Tatum as he walked down the isles, showing and presenting our newest member to the congregation. It was truly a family moment to watch another grandchild be presented to the Lord. A Sunday morning visit with just facts about our week and family seem self-focused. So I'm going to throw in some ideas and goals I've had over the years involving family. Find a reason to attend church. Covid made it convenient for a lot of alternatives. If it feels like you're not missing out by not attending, find a church where it feels like you are. It's not about you. It's about being an example to those who are watching you. Harris, Hazel, and Jackson accompanied Grandpa to the Farming Power Show this past week. Teachers deserve a huge thank you for being ok with a school day absence. Natali...