A Record-Breaking Harvest
This fall had its share of ups and downs, but one thing stood out above the rest: we finally broke through the 80 bushel per acre mark on soybeans. Aunt Cecilia’s field led the way at 90 bushels, a new high for our farm. Marie’s and Matt’s fields held their own, too, both topping 70 bushels, even with a few hungry voles making trouble in Matt’s.
A Record-Breaking Harvest
Family and Food
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Laura showed up in the field with a pan of cinnamon rolls, just when we needed a boost.
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Sam kept the grain cart moving while Mikey rode along and helped us wrap up at CG.
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David made trip after trip to the elevator, hardly stopping for a break.
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Lisa kept us fueled with Chick-fil-A, and when she was under the weather, Lauren and Luna stepped in to bring dinner out to the field.
At the end of a long day, we raised a capful from Mom and Dad’s old bottle of Crown Royal, saving a little for Ann, Mary, and anyone else who wants a taste of tradition.
Old Iron Still Running
Tom got Mom’s old R62 combine running again — greased, charged, and cleaned. The short auger just barely reaches the grain cart, but that old Cummins engine still sounds the same as it did when Mom and Dad were driving. Tom had to clear a slug early on, but once things settled, the combine ran steady through the beans. He pointed out how harvest always changes with the season: we start in shirtsleeves and air conditioning, and finish in jackets and heaters.
Weather Shifts and Squall Lines
The last of Hurricane Helene sent shelf clouds rolling across Illinois, cooling things off and bringing scattered rain. We lost a little time, but on the good days, we cut from late morning until evening, keeping the combines moving between storms.
Finishing Strong
Even with a few equipment hiccups and delays, everyone pitched in and we finished beans at Matt’s, Marie’s, and Aunt Cecilia’s just before supper on Saturday. By Sunday after church, Tom and I were already back at it.
Harvest 2024 will stick with us, not just for the record yields, but for the teamwork, the family meals, and the sound of that old combine bringing back memories of Mom and Dad.
—Joe (with notes from Laura and Tom)
Several in Heaven are looking out for us today!
