Harvest time on the Geyer farm

BREMEN, Ind. — Between harvest and corn-husking competitions, there is never a dull moment on the Geyer farm this time of year.

Clay Geyer, farmer from northern Indiana, shared an update with AgriNews.

Q: What’s one thing that made you smile on the farm this week?

A: The current commodity prices are nothing to smile about, but at the very least we can be thankful we still have a market for grain nonetheless. I had plenty of help as my brother and dad burned the candles at both ends so we could get soybeans harvested in a timely manner and get wheat planted.

I wish I could’ve helped more with the fieldwork, but I was busy getting everything set up for the Indiana State Corn Husking contest, which took place on Oct. 4 in Nappanee.

Q: Do you have a favorite spot on the farm to take a break or enjoy the view?

A: Some of the best views across the farm can be seen from a few hillsides at the north end of the property where the field of corn helps obscure the view and drown out the excessive noise of the U.S. 31 expressway.

Prior to the construction of the U.S. 31 bypass project, the north end of the farm was relaxing atmosphere and a great place to just meditate and capture the scenic life of nature in all directions.

We all need a place to go and reflect on the many generations that have poured their heart and soul into the land. I generally have my camera phone in hand to capture the amazing sunrises and sunsets with a slice of agriculture throughout the day.

Q: What’s been your favorite farm meal or treat this time of the year?

A: We as a family typically don’t eat much between breakfast and supper, other than a quick snack here and there. But after a long day’s work, mom usually has a fresh-baked pie waiting on the top rack of the stove.

The aroma of baked goods often fills the kitchen as we enter the front porch with the smell of warm chocolate chip cookies or apple pies picked fresh from the fruit trees outside.

FFA chapters, Farm Bureau and the Indiana Corn Husking Association will be out dropping snack bags off for farmers in the field and local elevators during this fall harvest, too. This is always a great way to give back to the businesses and individuals actively engaged in agriculture.

Q: If you have one extra hour in the day, how would you spend it?

A: I’d probably rest. But it is hard for me to rest this time of the year, especially when I have a mental checklist of everything I didn’t accomplish during the given day. But once harvest is over, I will have plenty of time to play catch-up.

One thing I look forward to after harvest is spending more time with my nephew. We have so many adventures planned of things we want to do before the snowballs fly.

Q: Any corn-husking or other updates?

A: The Indiana State Corn Husking contest was outstanding this year, as the temperature hovered in the upper 80s and, surprisingly enough, the sun was shining all day long with no rain in sight.

We had an incredible turnout of huskers, horse teams, wooden husking wagons and local FFA chapters to assist with the contest.

We are not quite out of husking mode just yet — we still have a contest on Oct. 17 for the states that do not currently host a state contest of their own, so those individuals can qualify for nationals the next day.

And the national contest on Oct. 18 will take place on Reed Farm just east of State Road 19.