From the Fields: Itching to harvest

The itch has set in and getting really hard not to scratch. The itch to start our engines and dive in is as bad as a 3 year old staring at a bag of candy. We’re pretty much ready to go. The crop’s just not quite there. Beans have sped up with the dry weather, but still 10 days out. Corn is coming along, but just not quite there. It has black layered, but still testing in the high 20; 24 to 25 is where we can start at. There are a few guys around that have started, but not many. Nobody running full out yet. By the time you read this, we hope to be nosing into corn and I’d guess several neighbors will be running beans. We are anxiously awaiting the start. We’re all ready to get rolling — and who can’t wait for the smell of fall?

The weather is plenty cool. They’re even talking frost this weekend, which would be the end to our double-crop beans. We are praying they’re spared and catch a rain. They look the best they have in a long time. The neighborhood does seem to be pausing this coming weekend as they have a memorial tractor ride for a local farmer that has passed somewhat suddenly. That makes two this year, and I think I speak for us all – that’s enough for a while.

As the roads get busy with equipment and trucks, give everyone some space, especially the loaded trucks. The roads are narrow and a couple inches can make a big difference. For those of you not involved in ag, thank you for being patient and we will do our best to stay out of your way. Stay safe and enjoy the great weather.

Shelbyville, Ind.