The worst part about a late spring, is a late harvest. We will be harvesting wheat in September, and that's not good.
The problem with a late harvest is day length. Instead of being able to harvest until from 11 am until 9 or 10 pm, like you can in August, the day is shorter. You're lucky to get started by noon, and when the sun begins to set, the wind dies down, the dew comes out, and the combines start making that thunking noise that indicates "I'm about ready to plug up." If you don't farm, just think about trying to mow the yard with a dew. Same thing trying to harvest wheat when we lose the sun's drying power. This pic is from last year, and when the dust isn't blowing, it means it's time to shut her down. Things were pretty still in this pic, from Aug 26, 2013, but they were pushing to finish the field.
The problem with a late harvest is day length. Instead of being able to harvest until from 11 am until 9 or 10 pm, like you can in August, the day is shorter. You're lucky to get started by noon, and when the sun begins to set, the wind dies down, the dew comes out, and the combines start making that thunking noise that indicates "I'm about ready to plug up." If you don't farm, just think about trying to mow the yard with a dew. Same thing trying to harvest wheat when we lose the sun's drying power. This pic is from last year, and when the dust isn't blowing, it means it's time to shut her down. Things were pretty still in this pic, from Aug 26, 2013, but they were pushing to finish the field.
Last year was a late harvest as well, and for me, the worst part is losing our 15 YO to school. According to Brian, he's a much better grain cart driver than me (Brian should sleep on the couch for that comment).
Last week, we had wheat that hadn't even headed out. I'll let you know when we harvest that field, but it will be late. We're not the only ones in this situation. There is late wheat everywhere. If you need a fall job, I can probably find you a farm that needs some help after the kids head back to school.
This weekend, Brian's sister (who grew up on the farm) commented on how she couldn't live like that, with no ability to plan. It is frustrating, but it's not a surprise. You just get used to it. Farmers can't be planners. We need to be adaptable. Every year is something different, sometimes good and sometimes bad.
Last week, we had wheat that hadn't even headed out. I'll let you know when we harvest that field, but it will be late. We're not the only ones in this situation. There is late wheat everywhere. If you need a fall job, I can probably find you a farm that needs some help after the kids head back to school.
This weekend, Brian's sister (who grew up on the farm) commented on how she couldn't live like that, with no ability to plan. It is frustrating, but it's not a surprise. You just get used to it. Farmers can't be planners. We need to be adaptable. Every year is something different, sometimes good and sometimes bad.
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