
05 Aug Brian: Dakota’s dry blockbuster
Onida, South Dakota–What’s your favorite type of show to watch? Is it a mystery or a romance? Perhaps a comedy or science fiction? How about a reality show, maybe one that stars custom wheat harvesters that rarely get a day off because it never rains?
I think I’ve seen this episode before, and apparently it’s so popular they are airing it again here in South Dakota. I’m not sure how much I liked it the first or second time, and after watching it again for the third time I’m reminded exactly why. The run time is too long, the plot is overly simple, and it repeats too many scenes. I don’t want to spoil the ending for you, but I can give you a synopsis of this show.
Mile long rows keeps Brenda’s 1,450 bushel chariot busy, even when yields are low. An overhead view from the combine cab shows the layer of grime that’s collected on the equipment, never washed off by the heavy downpour everyone wishes for.
The crew gets up early and heads to the field. It’s already hot, humid and windy, so much they sweat through their shirts just fueling up the equipment and washing windows. As soon as the combines get a dry sample it’s go time. For the next 12 hours it’s like this show is stuck on repeat. They fill the grain tank, unload on the grain cart, and then go cut another load. There’s no stopping with mile long passes, and when the trucks return from the elevator there is another load already waiting for them. The crew heads home around midnight and collapse into bed. This scene repeats over and over, day after day. I’m all for movie marathons, but this one is seriously getting a little old.
The sunsets are impressive this year, with long days turning into late nights. The full moon cast an eerie glow as dusk arrives, and abstract reflections form in the dust from the machine’s floodlights.
The one rainy day we did have was not spent resting, but instead we retrieved the grain cart and tractor from Iowa. Since then we have harvested every day since arriving in South Dakota. Mother Nature hasn’t been deviating from this summer’s script that stars a diabolical South Dakota drought. We knew the yields would be poor, and after harvesting a few thousand acres we can confirm the winter wheat is averaging around 35 bushels per acre in this area. That’s nearly one-third the yield of last year’s winter wheat crop. The quality has been fine with test weights are around 60 pounds and protein levels are 15% or greater, but there is just not enough bushels in the field.
Lack of moisture has parched the prairie this summer, evident by the brown grass that dominates the countryside. With fields over 1,000 acres, sometimes equipment in the field appear as tiny dots on the horizon.
If you were expecting a plot twist for the spring wheat, you’re going to be disappointed. It wasn’t that many weeks ago a lot of farmers were questioning if there would even be any spring wheat worth harvesting. With hot weather and little rain for nearly the entire growing season, spring wheat is having some of the worst yields in recent memory. Most fields have plants only 6 to 12 inches tall, causing plenty of stress for the combine operators. The machines are able to move at very fast ground speeds because of the low yield, but it’s a challenge to keep the platforms low enough to cut off the heads without hitting the ground. There are plenty of rocks in this area to wreak havoc on sickle sections and guards, and uneven fields mean the headers are constantly having to be raised and lowered to avoid missing some grain.
Short wheat means the combines can travel at fast ground speeds, but you can only go as fast as the header can cut. Shiny and sharp, Brian and Glen swap in a new sickle to ensure a clean cut over the thousands of acres we will harvest here.
There are some spring wheat fields in the area that have been mowed and baled for feed, with ranchers looking for something to feed their cattle in this parched prairie. Some fields have yielded in the single digits, and it’s always sobering when the yield number is lower than the moisture number on the scale ticket. This area will probably see around 15 bushel per acre on average for spring wheat. Every mile you go north it gets worse, but fortunately we have enough acres to keep us busy. Not everyone has been so lucky, and many crews are struggling to find work. With yields this low some farmers have decided not to hire harvesters at all this year in an attempt to save money. It’s hard to blame them, but for a harvester it’s a tough pill to swallow none the less.
Barely boot high, the spring wheat has had a tough growing season. The yield reflects that, and the occasional random pop-up showers never provide any meaningful relief.
With the lack of work some crews are bypassing the area all together, making the trailer park a little desolate this year. Some have shown up with a fleet of combines when there is really only enough work for one or two. That’s not a great way to generate the revenue needed to pay for millions of dollars of equipment, but harvesting a few acres is better than harvesting none at all. After last years bin-busting yields, this harvest has left everyone feeling a little dismayed. With the grueling work schedule I’m not sure who wants it to rain a flood more, harvesters or farmers. I’m afraid this movie may not have a very happy ending, but it’s not over just yet.
Judah insists the grain cart has monster-truck tires, and I’m not sure I disagree. The grain cart takes a lot longer to fill with the low yields, and farmers unfortunately have plenty of grain bin space this harvest.
Come to think of it, maybe this South Dakota harvest is more like your favorite super hero movie. If you just can’t get enough of all the action, you’re in luck. Oklahoma, Kansas and South Dakota have produced a harvest trilogy for you to watch. The director has cast dry weather in a starring roll. Drought has been trying to steal as much screen time as possible, but our harvesting heroes are ready to save the day. Sleep is apparently the crew’s kryptonite, but they will need super-human strength to endure eight straight weeks of exhausting work. Will the drought finally prevail, getting away with its evil plan? Will the harvesting heroes use their superpowers to win their never ending quest for slumber? If the suspense is killing you, be sure to tune in next week for the season finale.
South Dakota’s big spaces and colored skies pair perfectly with the golden wheat. As night falls the light reflects off the dust-filled air to create shades of blue, pink and purple.
Brian Jones can be reached at brian@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.
Kyle
Posted at 11:45h, 06 AugustYou are always a fun read. How many acres do you harvest this season?
Teresa Antrim
Posted at 14:21h, 07 AugustExcellent theme Brian. Waiting anxiously for the Ending Script!! Thanks. Great job!
Tom Stegmeier
Posted at 19:14h, 09 AugustBrian aka Steven Speilberg of the 2021 Harvest ,love it !! Here in Alberta we have 12 counties that have been declared a disaster area and more to come . Work Safe !!
troy tingle
Posted at 23:28h, 09 Augustgreat article and picts – i grew up doing this with Family business. We combined in Onida
how long did bird flu last in the us
Posted at 16:18h, 11 AugustThanks for the auspicious writeup. It in fact used to be a leisure account it.
Glance advanced to more introduced agreeable from you!
By the way, how can we communicate?
มาถึงท่าร่วมรักแบบนั่งกันบ้าง เราจะได้นั่งยืดขา
Posted at 21:21h, 11 AugustHey there I am so happy I found your blog page, I really found
you by accident, while I was looking on Google for
something else, Nonetheless I am here now and would just like to say thanks for a marvelous post and a all round exciting
blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to read
it all at the moment but I have book-marked it and also added in your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read more, Please
do keep up the fantastic jo.
Thad
Posted at 19:13h, 18 AugustWe stumbled over here different website and
thought I might as well check things out. I like what I see so now i’m following you.
Look forward to checking out your web page for a second time.
instagram takipci satin al
Posted at 19:20h, 18 AugustIt’s remarkable to visit this web page and reading the views of all friends about this piece of writing,
while I am also eager of getting familiarity.
Vigor Max Male Enhancement
Posted at 19:21h, 18 AugustRight here is the perfect site for anyone who wants to find out about
this topic. You know so much its almost hard to argue with you
(not that I personally would want to?HaHa).
You definitely put a brand new spin on a topic that has been discussed for decades.
Excellent stuff, just great!
Also visit my web-site – Vigor Max Male Enhancement
Coin Master hack
Posted at 19:26h, 18 AugustWay cool! Some extremely valid points! I appreciate you penning this write-up and also the rest of the site is really good.
instagram takipçi satın al
Posted at 19:38h, 18 AugustAwesome blog! Do you have any helpful hints for aspiring
writers? I’m planning to start my own blog soon but I’m a little lost on everything.
Would you suggest starting with a free platform like WordPress or go for a paid option? There
are so many options out there that I’m totally overwhelmed ..
Any recommendations? Thank you!
real money online gambling
Posted at 19:53h, 18 AugustMy spouse and I absolutely love your blog and find a lot of your post’s to be exactly I’m looking for.
can you offer guest writers to write content for you?
I wouldn’t mind producing a post or elaborating on a lot of the subjects you write about here.
Again, awesome blog!
บาคาร่า99
Posted at 20:09h, 18 AugustThis is very fascinating, You are an overly skilled blogger.
I have joined your rss feed and look ahead to seeking more of your great post.
Additionally, I have shared your website in my social networks
Coin Master hack
Posted at 20:14h, 18 AugustHeya i’m for the first time here. I found this board and I find It truly helpful & it helped me out much.
I hope to provide one thing back and aid others such as you aided me.
Fred
Posted at 20:31h, 18 AugustWow! This blog looks just like my old one! It’s on a entirely different subject but it has pretty much the same page layout and design. Outstanding choice of colors!
Coin Master hack
Posted at 20:35h, 18 AugustThese are actually impressive ideas in on the topic of blogging.
You have touched some fastidious points here. Any way keep up wrinting.
Willy
Posted at 21:26h, 18 AugustHi there exceptional website! Does running a blog
like this take a large amount of work? I’ve absolutely no expertise in programming however I was hoping to start my own blog in the near future.
Anyhow, if you have any recommendations or
tips for new blog owners please share. I know
this is off topic nevertheless I simply needed to ask.
Many thanks!
Coin Master hack
Posted at 22:43h, 18 AugustHmm it appears like your blog ate my first comment (it was super long) so
I guess I’ll just sum it up what I had written and say, I’m thoroughly enjoying your blog.
I too am an aspiring blog writer but I’m still new to everything.
Do you have any tips and hints for novice blog writers? I’d certainly appreciate it.
Niamh
Posted at 22:45h, 18 AugustHi to every body, it’s my first pay a quick visit of
this weblog; this webpage carries remarkable and truly excellent data for
visitors.
Laurinda
Posted at 23:40h, 18 AugustHi! This is kind of off topic but I need some guidance from an established
blog. Is it hard to set up your own blog? I’m not very techincal but I can figure things out pretty
quick. I’m thinking about setting up my own but I’m not sure
where to start. Do you have any points or suggestions?
Many thanks
best payout online casino canada
Posted at 00:13h, 19 AugustWhoa! This blog looks just like my old one! It’s on a entirely
different topic but it has pretty much the same page layout
and design. Great choice of colors!
บาคาร่าออนไลน์
Posted at 01:23h, 19 AugustHello! Do you know if they make any plugins to protect against hackers?
I’m kinda paranoid about losing everything I’ve
worked hard on. Any suggestions?
www.tool-bookmarks.win
Posted at 02:19h, 19 Augustgreat submit, very informatiѵe. I ponder wһy
the other ѕрecialіsts of this secctor do not understand this.
You should continue your writing. Ӏ’m confident, you’ve a huge гeaders’ base
already!
Joker123
Posted at 02:30h, 19 AugustHi there, I found your web site via Google even as searching for a related subject,
your website came up, it looks good. I’ve bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.
Hi there, simply became aware of your blog via Google, and
found that it’s truly informative. I am going to watch out for
brussels. I will appreciate should you proceed this in future.
Numerous other people shall be benefited out of your writing.
Cheers!
BioShed Keto Slim
Posted at 03:07h, 19 AugustI like it whenever people come together and share thoughts.
Great site, continue the good work!
Review my web site BioShed Keto Slim
forum.adm-tolka.ru
Posted at 03:10h, 19 Augusthey there and thank you for your information ? I have
definitely picked up something new from right here. I did however expertise several
technical points using this web site, since I experienced to reload the site lots of
times previous to I could get it to load properly.
I had been wondering if your hosting is OK?
Not that I am complaining, but sluggish loading instances times will sometimes affect your placement in google and
could damage your quality score if ads and marketing with Adwords.
Anyway I?m adding this RSS to my email and could look out for a lot more of your respective exciting content.
Make sure you update this again very soon..
my page; forum.adm-tolka.ru
https://corhuay.com/
Posted at 03:28h, 19 AugustGreat blog here! Also your website loads up fast! What host are you using?
Can I get your affiliate link to your host? I wish my website loaded up as fast as
yours lol
Feel free to visit my web blog … Ketorol Pills [https://corhuay.com/]
Saundra
Posted at 04:32h, 19 AugustI could not resist commenting. Very well written!
my webpage: Infinuity CBD Reviews (Saundra)
PG slot
Posted at 04:34h, 19 AugustHi i am kavin, its my first time to commenting anywhere, when i read this article i thought i could also make comment due to this brilliant paragraph.
Coin Master hack
Posted at 05:11h, 19 AugustMy coder is trying to persuade me to move to .net from PHP.
I have always disliked the idea because of the costs. But he’s tryiong
none the less. I’ve been using Movable-type on a number of websites for about a year and am
worried about switching to another platform. I have heard great things about blogengine.net.
Is there a way I can transfer all my wordpress posts into
it? Any kind of help would be really appreciated!
Moscatcher Review
Posted at 06:22h, 19 AugustGreat post.
My webpage: Moscatcher Review
Wawza Apple Cider Gummies Reviews
Posted at 07:33h, 19 AugustHey! I could have sworn I’ve been to this site before but after browsing through some of the post
I realized it’s new to me. Anyways, I’m definitely glad I found it and I’ll be book-marking and checking back frequently!
Also visit my webpage Wawza Apple Cider Gummies Reviews
http://agrocase.ru
Posted at 08:02h, 19 AugustHello! This is kind of off topic but I need
some advice from an established blog. Is it very difficult to set up your own blog?
I’m not very techincal but I can figure things out pretty quick.
I’m thinking about creating my own but I’m not sure where to begin. Do you have any tips or suggestions?
Cheers
Also visit my homepage Alpha Edge Pills Review
(http://agrocase.ru)
Joni
Posted at 08:36h, 19 AugustAn impressive share! I have just forwarded this onto
a friend who had been conducting a little
research on this. And he in fact bought me dinner due
to the fact that I discovered it for him… lol.
So let me reword this…. Thanks for the meal!! But yeah, thanks
for spending time to talk about this matter here on your internet site.
Curt
Posted at 09:01h, 19 AugustI have to thank you for the efforts you have put in penning this blog.
I really hope to check out the same high-grade content from you in the future as
well. In fact, your creative writing abilities has encouraged me to
get my own blog now 😉
Denny
Posted at 09:23h, 19 AugustI got this site from my friend who told me regarding this web page and at the moment this time I am visiting this web page and reading very informative articles or
reviews here.
Social Media Marketing
Posted at 10:52h, 19 AugustI just could not depart your web site before suggesting that I extremely loved the usual information a person supply to your visitors? Is gonna be back often in order to check out new posts.
instagram takipci satin al
Posted at 17:05h, 19 Augustbookmarked!!, I really like your website!
instagram takipçi satın al
Posted at 16:41h, 20 AugustDo you mind if I quote a couple of your posts as long
as I provide credit and sources back to your webpage? My blog site is in the very same niche
as yours and my visitors would genuinely benefit from some of the information you provide here.
Please let me know if this ok with you. Appreciate it!
Botanical Farms CBD Gummies Review
Posted at 22:21h, 20 AugustIt’s difficult to find knowledgeable people about this topic, however,
you sound like you know what you’re talking about!
Thanks
Feel free to surf to my blog :: Botanical Farms CBD Gummies Review
VikingXL Keto Review
Posted at 18:31h, 21 AugustHi there! Do you use Twitter? I’d like to follow you if that would be okay.
I’m definitely enjoying your blog and look forward to new posts.
My website :: VikingXL Keto Review
ps4 games it
Posted at 15:46h, 22 AugustPretty! This was a really wonderful article.
Many thanks for supplying these details.
instagram takipçi satın al
Posted at 01:50h, 23 AugustI’m not that much of a internet reader to be honest but your sites really nice, keep it up!
I’ll go ahead and bookmark your site to come back in the
future. Many thanks
instagram takipci satin al
Posted at 03:33h, 23 AugustHi to all, the contents existing at this web site are in fact remarkable
for people knowledge, well, keep up the nice work fellows.
ps4 games on
Posted at 12:51h, 23 AugustCan I simply just say what a relief to find somebody who truly understands what they are discussing
on the internet. You certainly understand how to bring an issue to light and make it important.
More people must check this out and understand this side of your story.
I was surprised that you are not more popular because you
surely have the gift.
Boris
Posted at 06:53h, 24 AugustThis design is steller! You obviously know how to keep a reader entertained.
Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start my own blog (well,
almost…HaHa!) Excellent job. I really enjoyed what you had to say,
and more than that, how you presented it. Too cool!
instagram takipçi satın al
Posted at 11:43h, 24 AugustHello there, just became alert to your blog through Google, and found
that it’s truly informative. I am going to watch
out for brussels. I will appreciate if you continue
this in future. Many people will be benefited from your writing.
Cheers!
was ps4 games
Posted at 08:25h, 25 AugustHello! Do you know if they make any plugins to protect against hackers?
I’m kinda paranoid about losing everything I’ve worked hard on. Any tips?
slot deposit pulsa
Posted at 00:42h, 27 AugustQuality content is the secret to attract the users to pay a visit the website,
that’s what this web page is providing.
my web site :: slot deposit pulsa
instagram takipçi satın al
Posted at 01:16h, 28 AugustI all the time used to study post in news papers but now as I am a user of internet
therefore from now I am using net for content, thanks
to web.
Affiliate Marketing
Posted at 06:10h, 28 AugustI simply couldn’t go away your website before suggesting that I extremely enjoyed the standard information a person supply for your visitors? Is gonna be again steadily to investigate cross-check new posts.
web hosting for
Posted at 13:21h, 28 AugustHmm it looks like your site ate my first comment (it was super
long) so I guess I’ll just sum it up what I submitted and say, I’m thoroughly enjoying your blog.
I too am an aspiring blog writer but I’m still new to everything.
Do you have any tips and hints for beginner blog writers?
I’d genuinely appreciate it.
Dermal Pearle Reviews
Posted at 23:57h, 28 AugustAmazing! This blog looks just like my old one! It’s on a
completely different subject but it has pretty much the same layout and design. Wonderful choice of
colors!
Also visit my web site … Dermal Pearle Reviews
ecs300.net
Posted at 05:21h, 29 AugustYou really make it seem so easy along with your presentation but I in finding this topic
to be really something that I feel I might never understand.
It sort of feels too complicated and extremely wide for me.
I’m having a look ahead on your next put up, I will attempt to get
the grasp of it!
Here is my web page: ecs300.net
Colinvom
Posted at 12:51h, 29 Augustbuy modafinil reddit modafinil drug test
quest bars an
Posted at 20:36h, 29 AugustHowdy! Do you know if they make any plugins to safeguard against hackers?
I’m kinda paranoid about losing everything I’ve worked
hard on. Any tips?
Daisy
Posted at 14:42h, 30 AugustHi mates, its impressive piece of writing about teachingand entirely explained, keep it
up all the time.
quest bars their
Posted at 10:03h, 31 AugustSomeone necessarily help to make severely posts I’d state.
That is the first time I frequented your website
page and so far? I amazed with the analysis you made to make this actual put up incredible.
Fantastic task!
manhwaland
Posted at 19:33h, 31 AugustThanks a lot for the blog.Much thanks again. Will read on…
asmr when
Posted at 07:56h, 01 SeptemberHey there! Quick question that’s totally off topic. Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly?
My site looks weird when viewing from my iphone 4. I’m trying to find
a theme or plugin that might be able to resolve this issue.
If you have any recommendations, please share.
Thanks!
in scoliosis surgery
Posted at 15:36h, 01 SeptemberHey There. I found your blog using msn. This is a very
well written article. I’ll be sure to bookmark it and
come back to read more of your useful information. Thanks for
the post. I will certainly comeback.
anapa-alrosa.com.ru
Posted at 00:16h, 02 SeptemberMerely to follow up on the up-date of this subject matter on your website and wish to let you
know simply how much I loved the time you took to write this beneficial post.
Inside the post, you spoke on how to really handle this matter with all
convenience. It would be my pleasure to collect some more thoughts from your site and come as
much as offer others what I have benefited from you. I appreciate your usual wonderful effort.
Also visit my web site; anapa-alrosa.com.ru