I think I mentioned in a previous article that I had the opportunity to ride along with a local farmer during soybean planting last spring. This fall, I thought it only natural to join him for the harvest as well. With late fall upon us, Paul and I drive around the countryside wondering why the soybeans are still in the fields as they look like pitiful dried up weeds. As I was being schooled by my new farmer friend, I learned that is what they are supposed to look like right before harvest. As I was wandering the field waiting for my pickup in the combine, I intuitively picked some soybean pods and bite into several beans which cracked in my mouth. I later learned that this is the way farmers determine soybean readiness for harvest; if they crack apart in your mouth they are ready and if they don’t they aren’t. Of course, the fields need to be dry and their moisture content verified by the computed assisted technology in the combine. As we traveled up and down the rows, I enjoyed watching the colors change on the computer monitors which determine yield levels. I can’t believe the volume of soybeans that come off those pitiful looking plants. This is further evidenced by the multiple semi-trucks being continually filled as the harvest progresses. I was proud of myself for immediately catching the “money shot” as the golden soybeans cascaded out of the grain chutes into the loader.
I also learned that many farmers have a posse of family and friends who volunteer to assist with the harvest for the pure joy of being in the fields. This is necessary and greatly appreciated as it takes at least three people to expediently move the product out of the field, into the loaders, down the road and into the grain dryers and storage bins either at farms or area elevators. I also had what I would call a relaxing, almost hypnotic, experience riding in the combine. I thought I had spent an hour, maybe two, out there but was almost late for a dinner engagement after four hours in the field. I have had very few experiences in my life where time passes so quickly and peacefully. Must be the company, right Eugene?
On a beautiful fall day a month later, I joined another friend’s family during the corn harvest. I did my part by bringing a thermos of coffee and apple cake for their afternoon snack. I think I will bring a meal next year as kitchen work falls down the priority list during the harvest season with everyone busy in the fields. I love watching the triangular metal cones on the corn head extracting the ears of corn from the stalks and make their way into the combine. My friend, John, is a great teacher and I love continuing to learn about the broad field of agriculture. Signals of glee erupt when the bushel volume meets and exceeds 230 on the colorful computer screen in the combine. Did you know it takes 200 ears of corn to equal a bushel? After a couple hours on the combine, I joined my friend’s wife, Mari, on a tractor slowly chopping corn stalks on already cleared fields. It is my understanding this process makes tilling easier and better prepares the fields for next year’s planting. Boy is that slow work but I guess it gives you ample time to meditate, think, plan, and/or listen to music, books, podcasts, etc. After collecting a few corn cobs as memorabilia and watching several deer run thru a newly tilled field at dusk, I drove home content having experienced another great “coming home” harvest. 2018