19 Dec Christy: Looking back

Just this morning, the deck was clear. The snowy mix is coming down now, as Paul is making his way home from Nebraska.

Ocheyedan, Iowa—The snow is falling tonight, and I’m thinking about all our adventures this year. So many great ups, and a few downs. Paul is on his way home from Lincoln, Nebraska, at a farm show representing U.S. Customs Harvesters, Inc. in this icy mess. I’m waiting up to make sure he makes it home safe.

Excellent wheat combined with a pickup header by Loma, Montana.

Some of the best moments this year come from Montana. We saw a small pocket of excellent yields while picking up wind rows down in a valley by Loma, Montana. Our farmer there told us great stories of the area, allowed us to come to his home and see the artifacts generations have collected, and how a trade post before Fort Benton was found thrived before it was burned down. You could still see where the post was settled in aerial views of the ground taken in the 70s. Montana is so rich in history and it was a great education to stay and learn while we do what we do best.
Some of the downs this year stem from minor hiccups that occur with a green crew. One of my favorite crew this year, Reagan, dropped his trailer in the ditch while hauling in Texas. It was a learning moment. Reagan gained a lot of experience that night, and he didn’t give up. I can say today he will do great things, and that is the goal. Learning as we go to better ourselves in the future.

Reagan’s truck spilling grain all over the place. A grain vac was brought in the next day to clean up, and thankfully everything turned out okay. 

It’s a blessing to be able to look back and see what all we’ve accomplished. It’s also a blessing to be here. My hopes for next year include more rain, and just enough rain to bring wonderful crops to all farmers. We span a large area where we cut, from as far south as Texas and Oklahoma all the way through to Montana. All areas need moisture, and that’s what we’re praying for.
As always, a very big thank you to all our sponsors. As I’ve said before, we wouldn’t be here without them, and they are the backbone that carries us through all our adventures.
Paul has thankfully pulled in home. And just in time, as I want to share my day with him, and hear about his travels. Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas, and a blessed new year. We’ll catch you next year.

Christy Paplow can be reached at christy@allaboardharvest.com.

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