March 29, 2024

From the Fields: Filming farm life

Convoys of farm equipment continue to move throughout Bond County and surrounding areas. Plumes of dust were constantly in the air from late morning until evening as combines continue to roll through corn and soybean acres. Our farm was no different, except for one small addition. We were selected to be part of a docuseries showcasing the life of soybean farmers. There are around 43,000 soybean farmers in Illinois, and we are grateful for the opportunity to share how we have navigated this amazing adventure.

During one harvest day, the film crew documented our centennial farm dating back to Great-grandpa Gaffner and how the production and utilization of soybeans has changed over our 100-year history. It was interesting to tell my story and listen to my father, mother and brother as they described events in our farm history that were instrumental in our ability to adapt and innovate our operation. I am confident Netflix will pick up this production and Dwayne Johnson, also known as the Rock, will be cast to play my character — I’m sure you can see the resemblance!

The extremely dry weather has allowed farmers in our area the ability to harvest ahead of previous years with remarkable precision. But the tinderbox exploded Saturday with speculation on the origin to multiple fires, which were accelerated by the wind, devouring over seven miles of corn, soybeans, a house and some buildings. Several fire departments were called to assist to contain the fire in the northern part of our area.

Our April corn had 12.8% moisture coming out of the fields, drier than what we have ever seen. We finished soybeans during the filming topping in the upper 60s. This week we will start to shell the replant corn from the end of May. A neighboring farmer reaped a central Illinois yield with his soybeans bringing 82 bushel per acre on one of his fields. He must have an intravenous supply of manure.

A southern area farm family had started their corn harvest in mid-September at 24% moisture and finished last week with it dropping down to 14%. They had above average corn and soybean yields with the fungicide helping the soybeans by 5 to 8 bushels per acre. The dry weather stopped many yields from exceeding 2018’s records. Another farm family finished harvesting corn, soybeans, wheat planting and will finish field tillage. They have 50% fertilizer applied. Completed yields for corn were better than last year in the 200 range, but beans were down from last year in the 60s.

I wish you well as you near harvest completion during this extremely dry season. And, I encourage you all to look for opportunities to be strong advocates for our industry — do not underestimate the power of your influence.

Greenville, Ill.