StillwatersIowa

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...

Our lives are full of negotiables. Things that are open for discussion or modification. Things where there might be multiple paths to a solution. Things you talk over until you reach an agreement. I took this picture of Jan having discussions with five sons after bringing breakfast to the shop. For instance, a negotiable might be would one use a 50 yr old combine or a 15 yr old one to harvest crops? Does one forward contract crops out of the field, or store them? Farmers are in a slow realization that they may not "bushel out" (big crop) this fall to make up for depressed prices. Does one pay higher fertilizer prices this fall? Or gamble and wait till spring? Back in July, did you spray fungicide, or decide to quit spending inputs on low commodity prices? Southern Rust blew in on our southern winds in late July. The middle pictures of stalks are the difference between spraying fungicide and not. Karl weighed ears from each set of three stalks. After compensating for moisture ...

This past Thursday in Colfax at Becknology Days, Scott talked about the importance of a succession plan, especially in our farm businesses. Succession is the action or process of passing one's business or assets from one generation to the next. And since it's a known fact that we all leave earth with nothing, it seems one should plan sooner rather than later. Jan and I were in our mid 30s when Shannon convinced us to start selling Dekalb seed for the Roberts family based in Dekalb, Illinois. At our first customer appreciation supper, Kurt and Karl were a year old. Kurt and Karl are now in their mid 30s, with families, as they visit with Shannon at Becknology Days in Colfax. Much like our family's story, after working for Dekalb, Monsanto, and Bayer (consolidation), Shannon is now working for the Becks family. Karl and Kristin have taken over the leadership role in our seed business. Does that mean Jan and I have lost interest? Of course not. And we help wherever needed.  We...

"While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, winter and summer, and day and night will not cease." Gen. 8:22. It's State Fair time already. In a summer where we've needed to be flexible, to adjust, to embrace or at least accept change, we can hang on to promises made to us by our Creator. Every summer for as long as we can remember we have always seeded just enough oats in order to have a load of straw to bale. It's not about needing the straw. It has always been about small square baling with the smaller grandkids and not forgetting that summer experience. Well, with being "under the weather" so to speak, we have had to adapt. So BJ came in on one of his busy baling days between rains and rolled it up. Because of waking up later this morning I'm just going to jot down some brief things I'm learning and adapting to while slowly recovering. These will not however be going in a personal tense so the whole story doesn't end up ...

I'm starting our visit this morning with my favorite picture of the week. This gal has been totally supportive; postponing her own troubles, thoughts, and anxieties. The yard, cabin, and flower pictures I'm using this morning are kudos to her for everything she does around our home. Thanks for the picture Emily. Last Monday I was admitted to Mahaska Hospital for the first time since I had left this same hospital as a new born baby 69 years ago. I had surgery to remove a cancerous mass that was growing both on the inside and outside of the colon. Just before the four and a half hour surgery Dr Jesse, myself, and a physician's assistant prayed together. When we talk to God He doesn't promise to remove all our struggles. He does however promise to be the strong One. He says in the Bible, "My grace is all you need. And My power is made perfect in your weakness". II Corinthians 12. I'd like to highlight a few blessings I received this week as a result of God...