Where The Wild Things Are

One of the perks of being in a tractor all day is the view.  I get to see all kinds of wildlife and scenery.  The problem is actually getting a picture of animals before they take off. Below are the best wildlife shots I could take in 2013.

A fox:

Some Mule Deer:

My favorite wildlife experience this year has been watching Swainson's Hawks follow my tractor around while I planted corn. When I was pulling the planter I would disturb rabbits and mice from their hiding spots and the hawks would dive bomb them.  One morning I saw a hawk grab a mouse off the ground and throw it up in the air and catch it in its mouth.  That pretty much made my day.

Happy New Years from the farm!

-Wild Thing Watcher Ryan

Hi My Name Is...

Hi.  My name is Brisket.  I am a blue heeler, and I like to chase things like tennis balls and cats.  I was picked up from my last home about a week ago.

In the last week I've learned to sit, and ignore other commands. My humans like to put me on a leash to go on walks, which is a bunch of crap; I'm a farm dog. 

Maybe someday I can help my humans herd cattle, but for now I'm pretty happy chasing cats.

-Brisket

P.S. -  I also like to eat cat fur and poo.

Corn Cam: Season 2 - Harvest Edition

The corn harvest of 2013 finished on our farm a couple of weeks ago.  For the weather conditions this year our yields were good and overall our harvest went well.

 

This harvest I spent most of the time driving the grain cart or I like to call it the Harvest Chariot...  The grain cart's main job is to allow the combine to offload on the go.  Most of the time in the grain cart is spent driving back and forth from the combine to the semis. 

 

Depending on the condition of the field there are times the grain cart operator has to wait.  So I brought a long my favorite farm publication along with me.  Farm Industry News focuses on new farm technologies and how they work.  Basically, it is a great magazine for farm nerds...  So I guess you could say it's perfect for me.

Finishing fall harvest feels a lot like the last day of school; excitement, relief, and the beginning freedom.  Once all the crops are out there is great deal less to be concerned about.  The fields are clear the wells aren't running and the equipment is cleaned and put in storage.

After corn harvest we focus our energies on the business side of farming.  Book work, taxes, and tying things up for the end of the year.  We also spend more time with our cattle because they are no longer at there summer pasture and need more attention. 

Throughout the year I also keep a list of all the things that I want or need to learn about in order to be a better farmer.  Obviously this list goes on FOOREVER, so I try to focus on the things that will benefit our farm the most.  You will probably get to hear about some of these projects this winter.

-Harvest Charioteer Ryan