2 Things

On Friday afternoon my phone dinged and there was a message from Barb saying she (state rep) and Mike (sec of ag) were going to meet Ken (state senator) at Gideon and Emily's Sully Locker and Meat Market. Thanks for the picture. Kudos to Gid and Em and their little family for honoring God and blessing others in the 2nd year of their business venture.

Gideon and Emily had a family addition in recent weeks. Eleanor joined her older sister Oakley February 3. Oakley is introducing little Ellie to Great-Grandma Jan last Sunday at church.

Jan has 2 siblings. Friday evening we met Donna and Arlin, and Paul and Gayle, for Paul's birthday. It was fun catching up. Paul and his son have a drone business and spray crops and pastures.

I have 2 living brothers and 2 sisters. We got together last Sunday evening for pizza at Bill and Julie's house while Beth and Dan were visiting Iowa. Our mother resides in assisted living. Our father and brother Dan are both in heaven.

We have 2 pieces of good news. My CT scan on Tuesday showed no visible additional cancer. Jan's MRI early Thursday morning showed her brain tumor had not grown in six months. We both feel healthy and are enjoying the many blessings God has given us. Thank you all for your prayers.

There are 2 things we as farmers need to help have a successful 2026 crop season. First, we need to be ready for planting season with a plan. On Tuesday our family is hosting a detailed planter clinic. Topics include the list below. There will also be information on biological seed treatment. And different kinds of planter attachments and parts on display. Kurt and Emily and crew will be serving wood fired pizzas. You are welcome to join us. You might let us know so we prepare plenty of lunch.

The 2nd thing we need to be ready for in 2026 is a marketing plan. I know. Low markets make it hard. That's all the more reason to have a plan. Know your cost of production, and remember, you can't save your way into a successful year. It takes dollars to raise good yields. 2nd, set marketing goals for both old and new crop. Try and hit singles and don't wait for a homerun. 2026 new crop prices show a small profit on a good crop.

Last Monday after lunch, the younger grandkids and I played a game involving winning and losing dollar bills. 😊 No worries, after the game the money was gathered up and reallocated. Everyone went home with 2 dollar bills.

After a full house governor's candidate forum at Smokey Row Saturday morning, Adam met our grandkids and told them they were the future of our state. He also told them 2 things. To love God. And to give 100% effort. That's good advice.

Anyone who has a hog finisher knows how hard it is to drag dead market weight hogs down the long alleyway. Karl and crew built a couple of different styles of pig pullers using a motor, a winch, and a remote. One fits on a skidloader. The other gets pulled by a 4-wheeler, Ranger, or vehicle. If you'd like to try one out or have Karl build you one let us know.

I took a picture of where the Cedar Creek empties into the Des Moines River. 2 prominent water streams. A couple of weeks ago brother Bill and I were invited to attend and share at a young men's Thursday evening study of being a man. I think in our culture today there are 2 things that are trip ups for hardworking guys; pride and fatigue. Someday I'll explain my opinion. I also think there are 2 antidotes for these trip ups; Honor God above else. And bless others generously. Continue to lead well men.