This has been a summer like no other down on the farm. We have just suffered through the worst drought in memory, along with record high temperatures. The combination of those two weather phenomenons has resulted in the ruining of our corn crop.
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| Ear of white corn and yellow corn from 2011. Looks pretty good! |
In our area, our corn yields generally range anywhere from 150 bushels per acre to 200 bushels, depending on the type of soil in a particular field and weather conditions.
Not this year.
Many fields have already been mowed down because there is no corn at all to harvest. Brad is going to shell corn today so that we can get whatever is out there for our landlords. For their benefit, we hope there is at least a little.
But from the samples Brad has pulled, we don't have very high hopes.
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| This gives you an idea of what we are facing for this year. |
Thankfully, most farm families have at least some crop insurance to help cover expenses, but rural communities are going to feel the brunt of this failed crop. We already know people who are making huge changes in their farming operations as a result of the lack of corn.
It is really unbelievable.
And sad.
And very hard on the farm pocketbook.
Thankfully, farmers (and their wives!) are very resilient people, and we are moving on. Of course, the beautiful cooler mornings and evenings, and the fresh air have helped a lot with improving moods in our farmhouse.
We also have received some lovely rains in the last couple of weeks, and we are so thankful for every drop. The grass is greening up, and we have even mowed our lawn twice this month.
Most importantly, we received enough rain to produce at least a partial soybean crop! The soybean is a remarkable little plant and has been able to hang on long enough to benefit from the rain.
WooHoo!
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| Soybeans |
I know some of you have been praying for farm families, and it means so much to me.
Thank you.
All of us really are dependent upon God for the basics of life, whether or not it is politically correct to believe it. Man with all his knowledge and technology cannot make it rain.
Or stop raining.
When you sit down to dinner with your family tonight, will you remember the people who work very hard so that you can have food on your table? We will remember the people who are eating it.
Let's vow not to take each other for granted, or our Heavenly Father who provides all good things.
Hugs,
Linking up to...
I am so happy for you! And for your soybeans! We lost all of our corn here at our farm in S.W. Missouri. It is not our only income, but it still stings! And you are so right, people are going to feel this loss of corn later. I pray for the farmers whose crops are their sole income. It's just been a crazy year. On the brighter side...we are expecting rain this weekend!! Yay!
ReplyDeleteThis is a great post, Susan...very informative, too. I feel so badly for you and all of the other farms that lost their corn. I'm thankful you do have those soybeans though. Let's hope for a better crop next year.
ReplyDeleteXO,
Jane
Amen, amen, amen! Oh, Susan, thank you so much for writing this post. You opened our eyes with your post a few weeks ago--and helped us to change our perspectives. Now you're helping us again!
ReplyDeleteGod bless you!
Wow - thanks for the reminder to pray for farming families. You are right, I am sad to say, that we sometimes forget where our food comes from. I hopped over from Grace at Home.
ReplyDeleteOur corn looks a little better but the beans are bad. We haven't had the rain that you've had. And we have to worry about Aflatoxin in the corn. It's going to be a bad harvest I'm afraid. I sure glad I don't run the scale at the elevator anymore. And it really is going to hurt everyone come next year. Thanks for the reminder. And I'm glad your soybeans are looking as good as they do.
ReplyDeleteHolly
I am so happy for you. Our state has been declared a disaster and the crops are awful...from corn to cherries. I am so glad that it is good for you- the Lord is good!!! xo Diana
ReplyDeleteSusan,
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear how drought conditions have affected so many crops. I appreciate the hard work of farmers. Thankfully your soy bean crop is doing well. Will keep all farming families in my thought and prayers.
Linda
mysewwhatblog.blogspot.com
I remember when I was little, mama and daddy always talking about the corn..corn...corn. We weren't farmers, but they knew how important that rain was.
ReplyDeleteSeeing all that Salmon in Alaska and people scooping it up...just made me think how it is manna from heaven...so much plentiful food.
Susan, you and your family, and all hard-working farmers, remain in our thoughts and prayers. We know it's been a struggle this bad year in your area. Happy to see the soybeans looking green and healthy.
ReplyDeleteHang in there dear.
Mary
Susan,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for you and your family and all the incredible work you have put into providing so much for so many! We are surrounded by so many family farms and I know this year has been tough on many. I will say a prayer for you and your family.
Wonderful reminder.
blessings,
karianne
Susan, I'm so sorry that the rain did not come soon enough. But grateful that you have one crop with possibility. Will continue to pray and trust with you for an abundance when it looks impossible. Our God works best when it seems like there is no way.
ReplyDelete{Hugs}
Dear Susan, I too come from a farming family. But there are so many other people affected from the poor crop. The truckers that depend on the grain to carry. Also the company ADM where my husband, son, and son-in-law work is a corn processing plant. We are not sure what the outcome of this years crop will mean for them. Susan, I will keep you in my prayers and please keep us in yours. Thank you so much for your blogs. Sincerely, Jan
ReplyDelete