Corn harvest got underway on September 9th. It was a little later than usual due to a cooler and wetter August that didn't speed any maturing along. The crazy weather had Brent really nervous. We got a hard frost (26 F) in the first week of harvest. The frost was not as bad elsewhere in the valley, but we had to chase frozen corn rest of harvest. Because of the freezing conditions and predicted precipiation, we ran one Sunday. It was miserable for everyone. We sure do like our day of rest. There were some wet streaks, so the Safety Pulls got quite a bit of use. Despite the frosts, most of harvest was really warm. We had a beautiful indian summer and another month of growing if we hadn't froze so early on.
I spent some time managing water while Brent was away on jobs. We vigilantly ran all the water trying to prepare for the frosts, and although it might have eased the blow it didn't avert the devastating frost.
The weather was especially frustrating because it froze and then we had nighttime temperatures like this:
I ran around during the first few days of harvest catching up with the new drivers and getting all the paperwork done. We had two fully staffed crews. . . and as harvest went on we lost three drivers, so I got to pinch hit in the drivers seat.
Ruby lost her flip flop in the field when we went out to ride with Brent. Those darn pivot tracks.
Corn harvest is an adventure for the kids. We never know our schedule, but they are so good about jumping and running when we need to.
Meals on wheels, one of the funnest parts of harvest for the kids.
I have a big soft spot in my heart for farm kids. Somehow boots, shorts, and hats can make little ragamuffins adorable.
Oh the girls love sitting on dad's lap and touching the steering wheel. GPS let them feel like they're pretty good drivers.
We spent a lot of time trying to replace a riser that got ran over on our farm. It was a several day process, but we got it fixed and the water up and going again.
I made the mistake of leaving Delsie in the car when we ran a dinner to a truck driver. As luck would have it, she locked the doors. It was quite the ordeal to get her to open the door. Finally my negotiation skills paid off and I was able to get in. As you can imagine, I didn't leave the keys in the car again.
We turned out some pretty good meals this year. Taco salads were one of the favorites.
Harvest break got off to a yucky start. Hudson was sick most of the week prior to break and then the kids and I each took turns being sick. It reminded me of being pregnant so much that I swore I could never to that again.
Our checklist of jobs for the fall. We cover a lot of ground when you consider we work from up north of Rigby down to American Falls.
This year the majority of close jobs were done when the kids were out for break. It was a blessing to have their help. They each have responsibilities and we really have come to count on them.
Well, except for this girl- she keeps me company and loves to 'talk' on the radio.
Our days started bright and early when I was driving. We got pretty good at packing lunches. We had an assembly line going on.
The girl's office at Reids. Dalanie would collect samples and run moisture tests. Riley came a hung out with them while we were at their place. They loved the company (and occasionally ran to her house for the bathroom and to play.) One night a big storm rolled in rather quickly. I was in the middle of getting loaded in the field, so I radioed to Dalanie to get things picked up. They loaded everything into the suburban (stroller, chairs, patio umbrella, lunches, and testing equipment) before the winds picked up and it started to rain. I was certain that Jess had helped, but later I learned that it was just the girls!
Hudson got promoted to packing in the 4960. He packed alongside the big tractor so he had to be alert and stay out of everyone's way. He did a great job!
He doubled as a babysitter for Delsie for just a minute when I needed a safe place for her.
With all of the equipment and kids involvement, I stress the importance of safety with the kids. I still get a little nervous, but they have proven that they respect the equipment and watch out.
I kinda have a crush on this kid! He is such a responsible nine year old. He really helps out. I think he can sense when we really are counting on him and he steps up. My heart nearly bursts watching him grow up. And during all of the craziness he practiced his piano every day!
One unfortunate night, James Delaney slid off the cattle guard at Reids. Brent was so frustrated, it was nearly a breaking point. There was so much to be done and then constant mess-ups that held things up. But they worked through it and had the truck out and were back up running in less than an hour.
One Friday after gym, Brent needed my help west of Blackfoot. We packed up the car so we could head out straight after their classes were over. I was driving, trying to help Hudson with moistures, and recording weights since we ran out of tape for the scale printer. It was the perfect opportunity to let the girls shine. As soon as I said go, they went to work feeding the entire crew.
Brent moved out of the driver's seat and let Hudson drive while chopping the last pass in a field.
Setting up at the last field for the year.
