Times Are Changing

In the 1970s most farmers were in that 200-300 acre size. This was the era when farms were starting a corn/soybean rotation, which was a change from corn/oats/ hay. In 1973 corn and soybean prices doubled. New farm pickups were $5000. A new large tractor was $10000. Machinery companies were coming out with cabs on tractors and combines. House rent was $75-$90/month. Thanks for the early morning picture Kasey. We use this 40 yr old 400 bushel grain cart for leftovers when finishing a field.

I was visiting with a grandson on the 2 way. I told him when I was his age I helped my Dad harvest with an IH 303 and 2 row corn head. I started farming in 1974 with an IH 715. It had a 4 row corn head and 13 ft. bean head. On a 200 acre rotation farm there was 100 acres corn @ 150bpa and 100 acres of soybeans @ 40bpa. That meant our crop to be harvested for the year was 15000 bu. of corn and 4000 bu. of beans. Most farmers can harvest that much in a day or less today. Thanks for the picture.

I'm not suggesting today's farming is better or worse. I'm saying today's farming has radically changed. Some may say the change is about having more. I call the Ag change today the "Walmart mentality". Today farmers are required to do more for less. In the 1970s a line of machinery was around $25000. Today many farmers' line of machinery cost 100 times that, even though their farm size may be 10 times the size of 50 years ago. Our crew harvested a lot of soybeans this past week both our own and custom work. 

While our crew worked on soybeans, I worked on combining corn on smaller farms. Yesterday, as I was harvesting by myself, I was reminded of the "old days" when it was just Jan and myself. Life has changed and we are blessed.

Kudos to daughter-in-laws, Kristin, Emily, and Cassia, for again bringing evening meals to the field. They are feeding three generations. Below, Kristin brought supper as we harvested for Dan and Vicki.

With the ability to grow crops twice the size of 50 years ago, and soybean exports around 25% of what they were just a few years back, commodity prices are at 5 yr lows. This means farmers are either subsidizing crops with other "gigs" (diversification), or they are living off their equity (past years income).

Things have changed on the cultural front as well. Our main clash is not optimism vs, activism. It's not right vs. left. It's not conservatism vs liberalism. No more subtleness. Today it's good vs, evil. America is divided. And we are at a serious crossroads. Will we stand up and be unashamed of truth and the gospel? Or will we stay comfortable and hope things change on their own? Kudos to Cornerstone Church in Pella for engaging last Sunday evening.

"Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.... It must be fought for, protected, and handed on to the next generation to do the same. Or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children's children what it was once like in the United States when men were free". -Ronald Reagan

I'm always encouraged when churches stick their neck out, and take a risk, for the purpose of reaching those that don't know the Lord yet. There is a place for 50 year traditions. There must also be a place for change in how we engage in our culture and reach the lost. Kudos to Omega Church for taking a risk this morning @ 10:45.