28 Jun Laura: On again, off again

North Texas/West Central Oklahoma: On again, off again. That’s been the theme of cutting lately. Storms keep cycling through the area and once we get in the groove, it seems like another one hits. Its been a crazy start to the season, a theme you’ve been hearing a lot.

The ground has been holding pretty well, but occasionally there will be a spot that just gives way unexpectedly. That’s just part of the game with the level of moisture received the last few months. One little known benefit to the mud is, according to legend, the compounds that make the Oklahoma soil red actually have anti-aging properties. This also carries over to machinery, specifically to the paint on equipment. While cool, is a little weird that part of your equipment can look brand new while the untouched portion ages as expected.

Ok, so I was completely joking about all legend stuff. I don’t know of any anti-aging properties in the local mud. I’m just trying to laugh a little when Mother Nature has given us little to laugh at the past few days.

I guess if I change my attitude a bit, I can find some benefits to all the rain. Occasionally fighting the squishy stuff means we can be in the field cutting. The other is that the rain has given way to some positive yields. In Oklahoma, we’re seeing a range of 45 to 60 bushels per acre now. The latest report out of Texas is 30 to 45 bushels per acre.

We will continue to be thankful for the positives nature throws at us, no matter how large or small.

Supper on move day wasn’t fancy, but it was filling!

Day or night, cut when you can cut.

Evening view from the cab.

Touch conditions don’t scare her! She’s up for the challenge.

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