17 Jul Laura: Oh hail!

Sheridan County, Kansas:

Laura describes what has happened to her family’s crop.

Sad looking wheat. (Photo credit: Laura)

Wheat belongs in the bin, not the ground. (Photo credit: Laura)

The latest crop of HPH mascots are at the farm. (Photo credit: Laura)

Equipment headed to Colorado. (Photo credit: Laura)

I think the saying goes something like this, “The only thing that is certain in life is death and taxes.” This year, I would modify the end to read, “death, taxes, and hail.” There seems to be so much hail damage this year. The area surrounding our headquarters had the privilege of the white experience, as well, shortening our time there. It has not only affected our customers, but our own farm.

As one might expect, yields varied throughout the area with the hail that had hit the region. Dryland yields on averages were in the range of 20-50 bushels an acre. Wheat performed best this year when it was planted behind summer fallow.

Our crew has completed their work in Kansas and is on their way to Montana. The other half of the crew remains in northeast Colorado and will reunite with the others up north soon.

I caught a video of the caravan headed north to Montana. The rest of the crew will join them upon completion of harvest in Colorado.

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