23 Jun Laura: H-U-M-I-D-I-T-Y spells stress

Northern Texas: Soap operas with their drama have never been my thing. I’ve only seen a handful of episodes in my life, but I feel like I’m living a harvester-themed one at the moment. I believe there was once one called, “As the World Turns.” In my harvest-themed one, it would be altered to, “As the Rain Falls.” It rains when the forecast says it’s going to rain. It rains when the forecasts gives little to no chance of rain. If it doesn’t rain, the humidity stays high, even on the hot days, and the grain retains the moisture preventing us from getting a full day of cutting in.

The problem is, we can’t stay in one place forever, but we also want to see the jobs completed. Most crews design a run that allows them cover a set amount of acres while making the next stop just in time. Normally our run works. This year it’s still going to work, but the weather has sure complicated things. At the time of this writing, machines are moving north while others are staying put to continue to work away on the southern acres. To say there hasn’t been a little bit of stress felt would be a lie because serving our customers well is a key priority.

On the bright side, the crew has caught on to the routine quickly. About three-quarters of our crew are returning members. This year, the new members all have some sort of agriculture experience. That has been a blessing during these times.

Equipment has been running well in the field. The exception was a semi that decided to go down on the interstate with a loaded trailer. Ryan was quoted to have said, “That was an enjoyable experience.” Please note, that comment is dripping with sarcasm. Thankfully no one was hurt and our driver knew how to safely handle the situation. They were able to switch out trucks, also on the interstate, and the public, grain and crew made it safely to their destinations.

Another positive is the ground has been holding the equipment surprisingly well despite the excessive moisture. We have been stuck, but only three times and ironically it was in the same day. Now I hope that by painting that picture for you I didn’t just jinx the crew.

Yields vary especially between grazed and ungrazed fields. We’ve seen 15 bushels per acre up to 60. Sixty bushels per acre is a strong number for this part of the world. Test weights are strong as well and are in the low 60s. Protein has been coming in at 9 to 12.

Waiting on moisture to drop is not a fun task. (Photo by Ryan Haffner.)

Grain cart, please.

Ready to fill a truck.

Green light for moisture. Let those Deere run, boys.

Morning service work.

Have to navigate around those big towers! 

Laura Haffner can be reached at laura@allaboardharvest.com.

All Aboard Wheat Harvest is sponsored by Case IH, Unverferth Manufacturing Co., Inc., BASF, Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children, Gleaner, ITC, Westbred, Huskie, Western Equipment, US Custom Harvesters, and High Plains Journal.