Week ending February 26th...

This week I had the opportunity to present to Owen's preschool class about farming and agriculture. It was quite interesting to present to a group of two and three year olds. We visited about corn and soybeans and how those grow throughout the year. We also discussed what foods the kids eat that contain bi-products of corn and soybeans. I also took in some of Owen's tractors, combines, and semi's which Owen gladly demonstrated; the combine dumping on the go, the grain cart into the semi, and he also planted a few acres of corn on the rug. At the end of our presentation we gave each child a grab bag that contained balloons, cow pencil erasers, and coloring books courtesy of the Illinois Beef Association. It was a great experience and I highly encourage those in agriculture to take advantage of every opportunity to speak to groups outside our industry; including preschoolers...

Week ending February 12th...

Since we launched our website and blog we have had many people contact us about our business. The most recent and interesting was Ant Bowker from South Africa. Ant is a 36 year old, 4th generation, 4,000 acre corn and soybean farmer in Standerton, South Africa. South Africa is Africa's largest corn producing area and has a climate similar to ours, but they have dry winters instead of what we've had the last couple of months. Ant contacted us to see if we could visit from time to time and share ideas on corn production. In a sense, we have become modern-day "pen-pals." He has given me permission to show some of his farm's pictures and I intend to do that from time to time depending on what we have to share. I thought you all might like to see pictures of green crops this time of year since until today we have lived in an over-cast grey skyed world. The growing season in South Africa is exactly opposite as we have - i.e., when we are planting in early April they will be beginning harvest. I hope you enjoy the pictures.

Week ending February 5th...

David clearing the snow on dad's driveway.

Owen enjoying the fresh snow.

The majority of our week was spent inside staying out of the blizzard and extremely cold weather. We received approximately 11-14" of snow along with 40 mph winds which made for complete "white-out" conditions. It was the first time in a long time where the snow drifts actually rivaled those in the late 70's and early 80's at least in our general area.

We continue to perform general maintenance in the shop and haul corn to the river as the weather allows, but this week little was accomplished due to the weather. Despite the cold and snowy conditions, Owen was able to get outside and climb all over the snow drifts and take in a little sledding. I have learned that as long as he is having fun, he will never admit that he's cold...