20 Aug Brian: Spring has sprung

Onida, South Dakota — After nearly six weeks, it seems plausible that we’ve been in South Dakota long enough for the seasons to change. We’ve certainly felt a change in the air, a decisive departure of the sweltering sun and soaring temperatures associated with summer. After what seems like an eternity, we finally finished our winter wheat acres. So that makes it official. Spring has finally sprung.

As we transitioned into spring wheat harvest, the weather transitioned, too. If April showers brought May flowers, then August thunderstorms interrupted harvest and brought sunflowers in full bloom. The spring-like weather brought dreary days and cool overnight temperatures. Just how cool? It has dipped into the mid-40s a few times overnight, and some days remained in the 60s. We were forced to trade our T-shirts for sweatshirts, dug out our blankets and even turned on the heaters in the trailer houses a few times. Are we sure it’s summer and not spring?

While the weather hasn’t been ideal, our first spring wheat field location was idyllic. The rocky trail that wound its way through a horse pasture was not ideal for hauling out grain, but once we arrived at the field we forgot about the logistics and focused on the landscape. Nestled along the banks of the Missouri River and almost totally hidden from sight, wheat suddenly appeared out of nowhere.

The horizon’s stark contrast between golden straw and cobalt blue water was amazing. Few places allow for harvesting while surrounded by seagulls or to be passed by speed boats. We didn’t forget to wave at the kayakers passing by as we filled the grain cart, sending it on a 2-mile trek out of the valley and up to the trucks waiting to complete the remaining 63-mile journey to the elevator. Horses looked on with curiosity, a few bald eagles circled in the sky, and burrowing owls popped out of prairie dog holes and took flight to get a better view of the action.

It’s was almost hard to remember we were actually working. With so many scenic views, we easily were distracted, but the real magic happened during the golden hour of sunset. Our senses were bombarded with saturated colors, peaceful silence and the cool night breeze as it brushed against our skin. The moon swapped places with the sun, and gentle waves lulled us into a trance as the sparkle of the stars reflected in the water.

As we shut down for evening, everyone stood outside and took a little extra time to soak in such unique surroundings. The day’s hard work was rewarded with a spectacular display few people will ever experience. It’s moments like these when you can’t help but feel connected to the land, even if you can’t explain it. Our love of the harvest has a grip on our soul, and it just won’t let go. After an enchanting day spent harvesting along the river, I’m reminded why I hope it never does.

Brian Jones can be reached at brian@allaboardharvest.com.

Thank you to our 2024 All Aboard Wheat Harvest sponsors: High Plains Journal, Lumivia by Corteva Agriscience, Unverferth Manufacturing Co., Inc., Merit Auctions, Kramer Seed Farms, Shelbourne Reynolds and U.S. Custom Harvesters, Inc.

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aawh, agriculture, All Aboard, harvest, High Plains Journal, HPJ, oklahoma, wheat