We are catching a break here today.
Looking at a high of 83F.
Thank you Jesus!
When I arrived at the farm yesterday
the neighbor who rents the bins
was in process of unloading last years soybeans.
The temperature was at least 100F.
He had to keep pouring ice water
on part of the motor to keep it going.
He said he probably won't be needing the bins this year.
The beans won't do well because of this drought.
He said the corn is just about done.
What that means is that is is tall and beautiful
and has just tasseled, but will not put on an ear.
How sad is that?
He said if we got rain and got it quick
it might have a chance.
But otherwise, it is done.
I try to imagine the life of a farmer.
Completely dependent upon the ever changing weather.
I said I had only been in NE a few years but this was the driest I had seen.
He said he and his wife have been farming 37 years.
The first three were dry, but then they were good.
He thought this would be the worst he has seen in 10 years.
I think the hardest part would be when there is nothing to harvest.
I know they have insurance to ease the financial burden
but does it ease the emotional burden?
I usually use the bin rent money for the first half of the property taxes.
When the farmers are hurting
we all hurt.
.
21 comments:
Ugh. That must be so hard.
I was reading somewhere about the pollination process of corn and how this heat wave is affecting the pollination process.
Apparently, (and I'm simplifying this greatly), with this year's early and extreme heat and not enough rain, the corn tassels (male) can't quite do their pollination thing the right way to pollinate the corn silks (the female part).
It's been a rough summer so far, in many places. I hope you get rain soon.
You asked about the power - we were among those without power due to the crazy storm that came through a little over a week ago. It was hard because every day was 100* and it got so hot in the house (plus, we don't have running water when we don't have power). We managed but it was a very unpleasant week. Thankfully, our power returned yesterday afternoon! Now I'm playing catch up w/ cleaning and cooking but it feels good to do so with little hassle!
Hope you get some rain soon! Also hope you can find someone else that might be able to use the bins:@)
It's time for a break! For all the farmers...the people who have lost their homes to fires...the devastation. You are not kidding, we need rain and lots of it. Around here, the orchards are not producing fruit because of the late frost. If it's not one thing, it's another. I wish you well and hope things turn around soon.
it is so true. growing up in wisconsin, i learned farmers never stop working and never stop worrying about the weather.
It is going to be very hard this year for everyone. It breaks my heart. B
That's the truth, Michaele. Corn and soybean prices are going to skyrocket if we don't get rain soon. This will be evident at the grocery store.
I'm so sorry...for all involved. It's just so trying right now for so many people. We finally got some much needed rain last night. Praying it heads your way.
Rain this morning- but not nearly enough to even wet the dirt good. I hope this new front moves through later in the week- and heads your direction!
this is so sad, i am sorry to hear this. i know it is bad, but reading from someone who is in the middle of it makes it more real. praying for rain for you and for all that need it and for a lack of rain for the flooded ones.
Weather sure plays a big role in a lot of people's lively hoods hope you get rain soon
We're SO dry too!
You said it!!!
I like the bumper sticker "Don't complain about farmers with your mouth full"
This is the dryest in Arkansas I remember and I am 57. August weather came in late April...God help us when August gets here!
May those who need rain get it soon.
Yep.....same hear! It is just awful......our farmer said his crops are pretty much done for....also hay is hard to get here now.....so glad I stocked up the first of the season before the drought hit hard....Northern Indiana normally has beautiful summer with all the green and flowers galore....but not this summer :(
I hate to see and hear that about the farmers corn and soybeans! I went to the store Thursday to pick up a few things for mom and I had sticker shock from seeing the price of things now from last week! I seen on the news tonight that 75% of our products have corn or corn flour or corn syrup in them. Who knew that? What did they use before corn? I don't know but I will have to figure something out. Hope it rains there soon! We need the rain too. It's been 100+ degrees here all week and people are still without electric! It's awful! We all need to get prepared for this. I'm trying to come up with some good tips to blog about.
We finally got rain the last few days. Hope that it's headed your way.
It's so true. We are all affected by the way a farmer's life goes. Hope it stays cooler for you!
Yes, this year is bad, bad, bad. We're all going to feel it when food prices shoot up, and it's coming. I've been following the information about the drought and I understand that unless a drenching rain comes, it's not going to do much good. I also understood that the pollination window is now and super critical. Maybe the article was an older one, though, I should check.
I am sorry about the bins--are you going to be ok? Money is another scarcity lately, along with rain. We're struggling here, and I'm holding my breath some days. Something's gotta give.
total drought here too! I think my pasture I have cows on will only last through this month. That is BAD!! I ordered several loads of last years hay just last week. I am Thankful I found some at least. Someone keeps mentioning a monsoon trend, but it seems to be dissolving before it reaches SD. Hope you see some moisture soon...think positive! Sometimes positive is all we should concentrate on..it can't hurt!
The life of a farmer must be very hard indeed. Relying on the weather has to be frustrating. I hope ya'll get some rain and that the corn can at least be partially saved.
Another year of drought...I feel for the farmers and I feel for you. Yes when the farmers hurt so do we all. Let's hope we get rain soon.
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