Summer time!

It's summer time on the farm and the hot temperatures have not slowed us down...okay, maybe a little. 

First, let's talk wheat harvest.  Despite a late start due to late planting last fall, the wheat didn't do to bad.  Yields were down a little but it was a harsh season up to this point.  A big thanks to Mid-West Fertilizer in Deerfield for letting us use their semi to aid in delivery of wheat.  We had one break-down which took several hours to fix and that was breaking the feeder house chain. We were able to start early/run late so harvest was done in just 3 days. Of course, after wheat harvest, it's time to drill double-crop soybeans.  As questions were raised about rain the ground moisture in the future, we planted anyways.  The ground is still dry but our timing was great because the day after we finished, we received just over an inch of rain.  Will it be enough to start?

Set-up complete and ready to cut wheat.

 

 

 

 

80 acre field of wheat.

Loading one of the semis.

Drilling double-crop soybeans.

We are still working to clear several hundred acres of trees and brush this year.  Though some break-downs have slowed us down and set us back by several weeks, we are pressing on and working every moment to finish on time.  We completed a 40 acre field the other day and started a 5 acre patch but didn't get that done yesterday due to making a creek crossing.  After that field is done, we move to another 40 acre field then off to a 200 acre field. 

Before we began clearing the 40 acre field.

After.  Quite a difference.

The crossing we made. 

In our next post, we will highlight a new project on the farm just in time for fall and harvest time. 

Spring 2011

Starting off 2011 came with many changes to the farm from past years.  Bigger equipment, part-time help, more acreage, and to top it all of, crazy weather.

The field work got started on March 13th after heavy rains pelted the area for weeks causing major delays.  With having only 150 acres of wheat planted, many acres for Corn, Soy-Beans, and Tu-fu beans became ready within just a moments time.  Working around the clock many days were Jerry, Janet, and Michael trying to accomplish jobs in record time.  With just a few break-downs, field work moved quickly but was slowed by more rain. 

Corn planting started on May 13th using the newer planter for only the second time on corn.  The results have been outstanding though some re-planting did take place due to heavy rain.

Spring has also brought a new shop to the farm.  This small shop will be home to general farm storage, seed, and repairs to the smaller equipment.

 
As of now, 100% Corn is up and looking great, 95% of Soy-Beans are done with 90% up, and  100% of Tu-Fu beans are up.

Morris Farms also is working to clear over 200 acres of land this year that is coming out of the "CRP" program.

As 2011 continues on, the Wheat is 90% turned and nearly ready for harvest.  Our next post we will highlight the harvest, shop, crops, and will also include more information about the land clearing.