09 Jun Christy: Running

Wichita Falls and Burkburnett, Texas, and Walters, Oklahoma—We are finally in the field running well after a long rain break. We’re running three crews- two by Wichita Falls, Texas, and one up just over the border in Oklahoma. The rain really put a damper on our schedule. I’m hoping the forecast will change and allow us to get caught up here for our next jobs. It can be pretty stressful making sure everyone is happy with the number of machines they have while the weather is cooperating.

Two combines by Oklahoma are seeing 30 bushel per acre wheat. It’s good and the windrows made behind the combines were baled and picked up in record time. When I got to field with lunch, they weren’t able to combine right away so Zoey and I were able to watch as they picked up the bales and stacked them neatly in big stacks really quickly. These bales will go to a dairy where straw is needed. It’s neat to see the process and watch how all parts of the crop are used. It’s not only the wheat but the straw as well.

Four machines by Burkburnett, Texas, are seeing some good wheat as well. The moisture is anywhere between 13 and 15% with averages rounding out anywhere from 20 to 45 bushels per acre, and the last field they were in at lunch today got up to 58 bushels per acre. We are so happy to see these yields. This area has had the rain to make the crop really nice. Lines at the elevators are really starting to fill with everyone trying to get in while the weather is still good.

Three machines closer to Wichita Falls, Texas, are moving over ground at a good pace. They are seeing 61 bushel per acre wheat. There’s definitely a learning curve for all our new crew—but I think in time we’ll get everyone into a good groove.

We have storms rolling in again tonight. I really wish they could go around. We really need to keep moving so we can make our next destinations.

With crews split three ways, I am really happy we decided to add Chloe to our crew to help with meals and delivery to the field. What would take me sometimes up to three hours on my own to bring meals, is now only taking about an hour since Chloe and Rhonada are here to take turns traveling to all the crews. We are a lot more efficient and accomplishing all work in a timelier manner. Hope this keeps up.

Chloe also made some delicious chocolate cupcakes by scratch the other day, even the frosting was made from scratch. She had Zoey help with the frosting and sprinkles. They disappeared very quickly.

Things are starting out really well besides the weather. Hopefully it can stay away a little longer so we can finish up here in the next week or so. We’ll see what the weather decides.

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

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