Grain trailer tarps

We purchased a new to us, used grain trailer.  That makes three for our farm!  This is a proactive purchase, looking ahead to the very real possibility that the smaller, satellite grain receiving stations are going to go away, in favor of the much larger grain terminal near Ritzville.  Most of the land that we farm is within trucking reach of the Templin Terminal, but when we have heavier yields, our original two semi trucks and trailers can not keep up with the slightly longer haul.  Hence, the need for the third trailer.

Our neighbor, Sean, who is a long haul truck driver by trade, has agreed to work harvest with us, renting himself and his truck, to pull the third trailer!  It seems like it will be a good arrangement for all concerned.

We needed to put a new tarp on the newly acquired trailer, and replace the tarp on the trailer that I usually drive down the road.  It was a huge project, but accomplished professionally by these two super good workers!

Annual Father's Day Wheat tour

We can't remember how many years ago we started our Father's Day Wheat tour, but it's been several years, at least 25, maybe more.  It was a spectacular early evening, perfect for our tour.  We still have a few weeks before the grain is in the bin, but so far, it looks like we are going to have to harvest!

Meet Paula!

I try to make a new scarecrow every year, and I usually alternate between a boy and a girl.  This is my girl year!!  I usually buy clothes for the scarecrows at Goodwill, but this year, because of covid, I have not been out and about much.  So, I watched a youtube video on how to make a jean skirt out of an old pair of jeans and I set to work!  Chemyn sent me a wig, I made the skirt and the plaid shirt is an old one of Reynald's that had gone in to the recycle pile. 

Paula is named for Paul Funk who is making and amazing and courageous recovery from covid.  I know both Paul and Paula will have a busy summer.

This is how the morning started out, spectacularly gorgeous and it ended just the same.  We've had a fair amount of rain and now a fair amount of sun and warm weather is forecast.  Loving both!

And, with rain come mushrooms!  We've had two wonderful meals that include mushrooms harvested from around the farm.  They are so good! 

June rains

We've had more rain than is typical for this time of year and no one is complaining!  After the rain, the skies are so beautiful.  Here are a few examples:

Rye Grass

Last week Alicia, Reynald and I went to one of our fields to hand pick some common rye plants.  Alicia spotted these two patches when she was spraying.  This is a terribly invasive plant that will quickly take over a field.  Though, it can be eradicated by pulling and bagging, before it gets a chance to spread.  It's very easy to see as it quite a bit taller than the wheat plants.  There will be more come two years from now, when this field is back in crop, but the patches will be smaller.  We know where they are and will keep a close eye out and go back out to take care of what ever plants think they can sneak back in!

More Clean Up

This past Saturday our picnic ground clean up crew gathered and finished up the project we started two weeks ago!  We knew we had a big pile of branches to pick up but then Uncle Doug started up his chain saw and added even more to the pile!  It all needed to be done, and it looks great now.  There's more to be done in the future, but for this summer, the work that has been accomplished will  provide a welcome retreat from our daily routines.  So happy that our families are using this unique and beautiful space.

Oh What a Little Nitrogen Can Do

The following photos illustrate how plants need proper nutrition, just like people.  It's hard to get in to some of our corners with the fertilizer applicator.  Alicia is really good at doing opening rounds and getting close but this particular implement is especially hard to maneuver.  Every year she gets better and better.  Soon she will outshine her father.