From the Fields: Farm is rooted in faith, family and community

BREMEN, Ind. — Between wrapping up a challenging wheat harvest and managing other farm tasks, From the Fields contributor Clay Geyer has had little time to slow down.

But amid the demands of a busy season, he has leaned on family, faith and community support as his father recovers from health concerns.

He shared an update with AgriNews.

Q: What are you spending the most time doing on the farm right now?

A: Wheat harvest was a challenge, to say the least, but at least we have that project behind us. I still need to clean up the combine from wheat harvest and make repairs and adjustments as fall harvest will be here before we know it.

Making my hay in a timely manner is finally back on track, so hopefully Mother Nature knows that I prefer to take a cutting of hay every 28 days, but only if the weather window works out to my advantage.

We just started the foundation for our new-to-us grain bin. Then we will get the slab poured for the grain dryer and the wet holding bin next.

Q: Have you noticed any insect, disease or weed pressure this season?

A: Honestly, I have been so busy I haven’t had a chance to scout fields like I normally would have done by now. But as far as I can tell from the road, I have a few volunteer corn plants to pluck out from my soybean fields.

Waterhemp is always a concern, but it looks like the residual herbicide I used early in the growing season may have helped with the weed pressure that is at bay for now.

Q: What will you be watching most closely over the next few weeks?

A: I really need to make time and scout some fields, but how much more money does a person invest into a corn crop that is already fair to average at best?

As harvest approaches in the next 60 to 75 days, I will be checking my soybeans and keeping a watchful eye on any nutrient deficiencies that pop up as harvest nears.

Q: What’s your favorite thing about farming this time of the year?

A: I enjoy the smell of crops maturing as the dew or frost melts off during fall harvest, plus the amazing aroma that wafts from the barn or hayfield following a long day of baling hay.

A sense of accomplishment pours over me this time of the year as I recall how much time and effort was given to each crop this past spring as it was seeded.

Q: What memories have you made this summer?

A: Well, it is not easy for me to ask for help, but I am very thankful for the outpouring of our family and friends who have stepped up to help regardless of the time of day each week as my mother, brother and I tend to dad’s health concerns while he is recovering.

We have been blessed by the hands of our church family at Tyner United Methodist Church. They have poured out their love and compassion every step of the way.

We just have to be patient to see what God’s plan has in store for our family in the days, weeks and months ahead.

Q: What are you looking forward to the most as harvest gets closer?

A: We hope to have our new-to-us grain bin, wet holding bin and grain dryer up and functional. With that being said, some days it feels doubtful that all the stars will align, but regardless of the given situation, we continue to play phone tag with NIPSCO.

Some days, I wonder if it might be faster to switch everything over to LP and forget the thought of natural gas.

Q: Any community or family updates?

A: As harvest draws closer and closer, I enjoy numerous community events throughout the summer and early fall. This year, the P.J. Gilsinger and Company Annual Tractor Fest will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 8, at the Gilsinger Museum located at 5641 S. Main St. in Winamac.

Lunch will be served at 11 a.m., followed by show and tell. Then the show will conclude with a parade of tractors that loop around the downtown.

Next up, the Bourbon Antique Tractor Ride will be held on Aug. 9. From the parking lot at Triton school in Bourbon, this event departs from the parking lot at 9 a.m. and tours the backroads of Marshall County and concludes with a prepared meal for lunch for all who participated.