Janel: It was fun while it lasted

Western Nebraska – This year I was in Kansas longer than expected due to the evening rain showers. We couldn’t ever work really late like we needed to and put in our time because we’d get shut down by the rain most evenings. The weather really messed with us. 

Thankfully, my brother Jared and Uncle Lonny were able to harvest most all of our wheat jobs in Western Nebraska before we got there. We did still get to stop there and cut for a few days, which was great. Disappointingly, the wheat I cut didn’t yield well due to mosaic disease. The wheat looked decent from the road, but the mosaic disease really got to it this year. However, Western Nebraska has some of the most beautiful sunsets with such beautiful colors. I didn’t get to cut there long enough this year to enjoy them. 

When we were loading up, the farmer drove up to me on his gator and gave me two bags of homemade cookies! Seriously, yum! He said his wife made them. And they were just for me and I didn’t have to share them if I didn’t want to. I said, “Thank you so much. They look super delicious!” I had every intention of having a handful of cookies after the farmer drove away, because I was starving as usual. I had to set them in the pickup and finish loading up, and then right away I hopped in a Peterbilt and up the road we went. I didn’t get a single cookie. The guys got into them, and they were gone in no time. They were even bragging about the cookies on the two-way radio. Gee whiz! I learned my lesson the hard way. I’ll be sure to just take the cookies with me next time. Anyway, here’s to wishing for better wheat to cut next year and more homemade cookies!

Schemper 2017 - Western Nebraska Wheat Harvest

I washed my combine before we left Kansas. (Photo by Janel Schemper)

Schemper 2017 - Western Nebraska Wheat Harvest

The tire man in Kansas let me use his garage and power washer. I love washing and cleaning!

Schemper 2017 - Western Nebraska Wheat Harvest

More washing and cleaning!

Schemper 2017 - Western Nebraska Wheat Harvest

I saw this in front of the grocery store one day in Kansas. What a great inspirational message for all! (Photo by Janel Schemper)

Schemper 2017 - Western Nebraska Wheat Harvest

This photo was taken north of Imperial, Nebraska. The drought conditions are very noticeable. (Photo by Janel Schemper)

Schemper 2017 - Western Nebraska Wheat Harvest

Just another day of cutting wheat in Western Nebraska. (Photo by Janel Schemper)

Schemper 2017 - Western Nebraska Wheat Harvest

The wheat was dirty and affected by mosaic disease. (Photo by Janel Schemper)

Schemper 2017 - Western Nebraska Wheat Harvest

Western Nebraska. (Photo by Janel Schemper)

Schemper 2017 - Western Nebraska Wheat Harvest

The wheat was awfully dirty, and there was hardly any wind. The sky to the west was once again pretty, even though it was cloudy.  Western Nebraska has beautiful sunsets! (Photo by Janel Schemper)

Schemper 2017 - Western Nebraska Wheat Harvest

This is as close as I get to the lake! This is Lake Mcconaughy in Nebraska. (Photo by Janel Schemper)

Schemper 2017 - Western Nebraska Wheat Harvest

Waiting on road construction in the sandhills of Nebraska. Another beautiful Nebraska road is in the works. (Photo by Janel Schemper)

Schemper 2017 - Western Nebraska Wheat Harvest

Check out this overpass in the sandhills of Nebraska. I wish all overpasses were that high. The overpass in Goodland, Kansas needs to be fixed, and one like this would be super great! If you ever travel to Goodland, take a look at the overpass, and you’ll see it’s been hit 1000+ times. (Photo by Janel Schemper)


All Aboard Wheat Harvest is sponsored by High Plains Journal and John Deere.  Janel Schemper can be reached at janel@allaboardharvest.com.

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