October

 We had over ten inches of rain during October, with about three being normal.  We were interrupted regularly but were able to finish corn harvest working around the rains.  Why is it that when rain is imminent, we still try to make one more round or load one more truck?  Twice we got dumped on trying just that, and had to drive back to the shed in a downpour.  We didn't get good soybean weather until the first week of November, and were able to finish all but the double-crop beans.  We will need days of sunshine, a breeze, and a little warmth to get them to dry down.

Because of the warm fall and plenty of moisture, all of the corn and soybeans that shelled or shattered at the head, or was carried out the back of the combine, sprouted.  All of the early harvested fields turned green again.  With no early frost to kill the volunteer crop, the fields looked pretty bad for awhile.  Like we all did a poor job combining.  Even tillage didn't eliminate it. It is normal to leave a little on the ground, but this year made us farmers all look really bad.  The frost has killed it now, so we are feeling better about ourselves.

I've "attended" several online only land auctions recently.  The land market is hot right now and prices are setting all time highs for our area.  Needless to say, we haven't purchased any.  Farm machinery is a hot commodity now also, with short supply and high prices.  Most of the machinery auctions have moved online also.  It's just not the same when you sit looking at a screen instead of mingling with neighbors and kicking tires.

A beautiful fall sunrise!

Menards was selling these.  They had a rather unique flavor!

We stayed pretty close to home, waiting for the opportunity to finish harvest.  We had to cancel a trip to K.C. when we were able to get back in the field to finish soybeans.  Hopefully, soon, we can do a little traveling.

When thou cuttest down thine harvest in thy field, and hast forgot a sheaf in the field, thou shalt not go again to fetch it: it shall be for the stranger, for the fatherless, and for the widow: that the Lord thy God may bless thee in all the work of thine hands.          Deuteronomy 24:19