12 Jul The famous Purple

St. Francis, Kansas—If you were to ask me about my surroundings today, I would be able to tell you that I could see Colorado from our field. It’s rather ironic because we were in a field that we refer to as the “crater field” because of its location in between some hills that are fit for a John Wayne movie and in the open field we are in now, I can see for miles!

Dad and I were shuffling equipment to a more trucker-friendly approach when a van drove by the field at a slower pace than to be expected. This van drove by going north and then shortly after was retracing its steps and coming back south, right toward Dad. I wish I could have seen my facial expressions while I was watching this because I was ultimately confused at what was happening in front of me. The man driving the van proceeded to stop the van and approach Dad and then started making wild gestures in my/Purple’s direction.

My first thought was “Boy, we must be in trouble for something by the looks of this.” My curiosity got the best of me, so I hopped out of Purple and walked toward them to see what was going on. Once within earshot, I heard the man from the van (that’s pretty catchy, isn’t it?) say how he “saw Purple and knew that was her!” This man, along with his wife, follows All Aboard Wheat Harvest and is traveling throughout the summer to check out the wheat harvest. They were such a nice couple! Brandon took him for a round in the combine while I chatted with his wife. Also, he would like to help out a crew if they are in need of an extra hired hand, so if you’re reading this and that is the case, I know a guy.

Since we don’t have a grain cart with us on the harvest run, there are times when we have to improvise. The fields have been both dry and flat enough that Dad and I can drive our trucks alongside the combine and Brandon can unload on the go. The wheat we have been throwing in the hopper lately has been from 30 bushels to 60 bushels per acre with test weights between 60 to 63 pounds. All it takes is to cross the road to a crop that maybe got a few less inches of rain that can mean the difference between a good and poor crop.

Quote of the Day—“On a scale of 1 to a waterpark, how much fun are you having right now?”

Stuff Harvesters Like—Watching storm clouds surround your field and float right on by, not dropping an ounce of rain on you.

Quite a steep slope to the field!

Brandon and I took the opportunity to take some fun photos above the “crater” field.

Something on my head?

Unloading at the bins in Farmer Bob’s yard.

Mom and Dad, having a little sunset chat.

All Aboard Wheat Harvest™ is sponsored by High Plains Journal and New Holland Agriculture. You can contact Steph at stephanie@allaboardharvest.com.