This past year was the first year we did our own cropping (instead of renting it out) and we enjoyed it even with the few frustrations we experienced. Obviously harvest is the most exciting time of year and we experienced God's rich blessings by harvesting a bountiful crop. Much to humbly give thanks for.
Here is a little "story" I cut and paste from something I found on the internet this past summer. I read it then, and I've read it several times since. To me, it sums up my life, even though I was raised on a farm. 💗 It sums up all the emotions for me, and why I am so grateful for the lifestyle we get to enjoy.
"I didn’t understand it, this love that farmers have for their work.
The way they pour their hearts and souls into it. Why they would put in
the hours, sweat, an
d heartbreak, just
to have another crop succumb to drought or hail. It made no sense. This
passion I witnessed seemed almost foolish.
Then I married a farmer, and he took my hand and brought me along on
this journey of stewardship of God's land and animals. Of being thankful
for every drop of rain, being humbled after the loss of a crop, and the
feeling of joy and satisfaction as you watch the hard work be augured
into the bin. Gratefulness for every bushel of grain God has granted
you.
What these farmers do, it doesn’t make sense. It doesn’t
make sense to pour so much into something with no guarantee. It doesn’t
make sense to people who don’t live it. But once you're in this life, I
don’t think it could ever leave your blood.
You’ll never forget
the feeling of learning to really work with your hands, the exhaustion
at the end of harvest and planting, and the smell of rain on freshly
turned dirt. It’s something that can’t be explained, it can only be
lived."
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| Spring started late this year, and large areas of the fields were flooded. |
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| We had to pump water off the low land for days. |
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| Finally manure could be spread and seeds planted. |
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| Pivots were primed and ready to run - always exciting! |
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| Replanting alfalfa for a thicker crop. |
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| Our alfalfa had a tough start but with much nurturing we ended up with a good crop. 👍 |
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| First cut! |
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| Custom workers harvesting silage |
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| Andy went halves with a friend for a small baler and we put it to good use right away as we needed hay for the steers. |
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| A perfect job for Seth. |
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| Break time! |
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| What a life this chickie has. 😊💕 |
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| The back 75 acres had wheat this year. (notice our barns way in the distance - thus the "back" field). |
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| Ripening in the golden glow of sunshine 💓 |
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| Ready to swath. |
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| We are building a feed mill on the property for the chickens so we utilized the small granaries and kept the wheat. We used this old Chevy grain truck to haul the wheat and it was epic. 😆 Bouncy and rustic, it got the job done!! |
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| A family that hays together stays together - so I've been told 😄 . |
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| Waiting to be told where to go pick up bales - I got my jollies out of these rednecks who were along for the ride. |
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| Done. Field harvested. What a wonderful end to that chapter. Thanks be to God! |
