22 May Christy: All we know is what we cut.

Hello all! It’s been awhile. My name is Christy Paplow with Paplow Harvesting & Trucking from Worthington, Minnesota.

Paplow Harvesting & Trucking entered the world of wheat 32 years ago. Gary Paplow made a name for himself after beginning with one combine. He has built his legacy over the years to now run nine Case IH combines, and some pretty impressive Peterbilts.

These days, Gary and his son, Paul, have grown into a well-run family operation combining all throughout the Midwest starting in Texas, and working through Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, and as far as Montana and North Dakota. Gary’s wife, Rhonada, and I do our best to care for the crew Paul has worked tirelessly to recruit from all across the US and J1 Visa trainees from all across the UK.

Combining wheat is a passion that has trickled down through this family where all we know, is what we cut.

It’s been a heck of a winter for us this year. We’ve had more snow and subzero temperatures than I have seen in quite a few years. Only a few weeks ago, I was wondering if we’d get our own crop planted due to all the remaining snow that just didn’t want to take a hike.

Temperatures did finally level out, and we’ve been able to get all our crops in. We’ve also worked on a few projects this spring – campers needed work and there’s always equipment needing work done.

A severe winter also altered our daughter’s school year. As soon as she heard she’d have to stay home for the end of the school year while the crew moves south, she didn’t want anything to do with it. She might be missing that last week. It’s probably controversial on our part, but this harvest thing is in our hearts. She gets it. There’s not much education going on that last week anyway.

As always, each year is not like the other. We are facing some obstacles, as we start out, and not much different than last year. Whereas we were blessed with massive amounts of snowfall and moisture in much needed areas, some are still just as baron as they were when we left to move forward during harvest last year.

Weather conditions have proven to be beneficial in areas east of our first stop by Wichita Falls, Texas. Those to the west have not been as lucky. I can’t speak to what the future holds for our run, but I know we’ll see something to combine at our first stop.

Crews have started moving equipment south to Texas this week. As soon as Paul hits the field, he’ll be able to determine exactly when our presence is needed, though I think it will be in the next week.

I don’t know if our dog, Penny, is ready for the Texas heat, but I know I am. Join us on our journey this year as we navigate the unpredictable world of custom harvesting wheat in the Midwest.