A Lasting Impact

Harvest has started earlier this fall in southern Iowa. Test weight is not an issue. Moisture has nose dived due to dead plants as a result of southern rust. Yields are ok to good in the non fungicide sprayed fields, and great in fields sprayed with fungicides.

Southern rust started blowing in from southern United States in late July. We don't see this disease often here. With a wetter summer and warm dewy nights, it decided to stay, grow, and spread. A fungicide application was effective for postponing the plant death it caused. Stalk quality will be an issue later in the harvest season.

This post reminded me of last week's story. 1974 was my first crop after Walter passed away. I sold corn for $3.30/bu. that fall to Warder and Lee Elevator in Webster, Iowa. Since I was a senior in high school, and had few living expenses, I took my year's profit and bought a new 1974 Chevy Scotsdale 3/4 ton pickup from La Franz Chevrolet. The sticker price was $5200.

As far as a health update I have opted to pass on chemotherapy, and go with blood tests every 3 months. My lymph nodes were clean. However chemo was suggested because of the "just in case" scenario due to the advanced stage of my colon cancer.

After tests and multiple visits with brain surgeons, Jan has scheduled an MRI early next year to check if the tumor in her brain is growing. If it isn't growing she has an option to continue life with her mild symptoms. If it is growing, surgery will be scheduled. 

Since a fair amount of our family's crop has been forward contracted we have an obligation to deliver it to the processor during harvest. Since so many are delivering corn around here this has been a tough job. So we have had some early mornings with trucks in line. We have around 25% of our corn crop delivered. Thanks for the picture Kasey.

One of the jobs that often gets pushed to the back burner is following the combines with the bat wing mower and cleaning up the field edges and waterways after harvest. So I've asked grandkids to help with this job after school. This picture was taken by a neighbor looking east toward what we call the "Eddyville Flats" just north of Eddyville. Thanks for the picture Kym.

Kudos to grandson John for helping his much younger cousin Lane drive grain cart.  Thanks for the picture John.

Yesterday the gals had a bridal shower for John's fiancé, Ella. John and Ella get married November 7. The good looking "older" gal in the middle is my wife Jan. The middle aged gals are our daughter and daughter-in-laws which we love dearly. And finally, Ella, who we can't wait to have join our family. Thanks for the picture.

So what is the summer of 2025 teaching me? We've shared with you all earlier that God's power is made perfect in my weakness. Also as I reflect, what impact is being left on these next generations? It's not about handling corn diseases, or crop size, or markets, or even health. I've made my share of mistakes on these issues this summer. My goal is to live out my faith, and be an example of blessing others. My prayer is that this has a lasting impact that outlives me, through family, vocation, and community.