06 Sep Laura: Summer sentiments

If the 2022 harvest season was a Broadway drama musical, the weather would be the lead role and the rest of us would merely be the supporting cast. This year was marked with widespread drought across much of the wheat growing states with a bit of freeze, hail, and a few bright spots sprinkled on top for good measure. Normally, we would expect one, maybe two stops to be in question but the weather continues to have us on our toes a little more each season.

The southern part of the run saw the biggest impact from the drought with the majority of our Texas acres destroyed. We missed our southeastern Colorado stop too due to the dry conditions. The middle of the run saw average yields as well as a few positive surprises in areas centered around a few well-timed moisture events. The winner, in terms of yield, goes to northern Montana, just shy of the Canadian border. Here, dryland yields pushed 100 bushels per acre in some places.

The unexpected villain would be played by inflation with its accomplices high fuel prices and parts and equipment shortages. These players kept rearing their ugly heads throughout the season creating suspense about what may happen next.

Yes, weather stole the show, the villain created added interest, but our customers play a key role too because without them we wouldn’t be on this adventure in the first place. Their loyalty throughout the years is certainly appreciated and we’re thankful to serve them year after year.

Last but not least, our crew was there playing a supporting role in every scene this summer. Having the ability to be flexible in adverse situations while maintaining positive attitudes is a valuable skill that will take them far. They’ve put in long hours, doing whatever was asked, to get the grain in for our customers. Some of my favorite memories with the crew this summer is watching them occasionally play ball between loads or at meals or seeing them patiently allowing the mini-harvesters to help with daily tasks. Those may seem like small things but added together throughout a season create a big impact.

Yes, it is a privilege and heartwarming for me was having a front row seat to watch Little Man and Lady A grow and develop through their experience on harvest. They are gaining confidence, learning hand-on skills in and out of the field, and increasing their knowledge about the world each and every year. There is a price to pay for this experience, but one we’re willing to pay to be able to share the world with them and others.

For the closing credits, we must recognize our sponsors who make this program happen. Thanks for believing in our message and allowing us to share it with our faithful followers. Finally, thank you, High Plains Journal for the All Aboard Wheat Harvest program. It has been a joy and privilege to be a crew on your team these past eight years.

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

All Aboard Wheat Harvest is brought to you by ITC Holdings, CASE IH, Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children, US Custom Harvesters Inc., Unverferth Mfg. Co. Inc., Lumivia CPL by Corteva Agriscience, Kramer Seed Farms, and High Plains Journal.

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