Even a dyed-in-the-wool optimist has to face facts at some point. Randy fought the good fight. He kept insisting that milo is a hearty crop. With a timely rain or two, we might still have a crop.
But the Drought of 2011 had different ideas. Today we are expected to surpass a record set back in 1936, when the thermometer met or topped the 100-degree mark 50 times. It took us 75 years to tie the record. Somehow I don't think anyone will have a party for breaking the record today. (Unless the beverage of our choice - rain water - could be served. Then we might throw a party.)
There are a few heads of milo that beat the odds and made a little grain. Compare this year's field ..
August 25, 2011
... with last year's crop.
August 10, 2010
I don't believe I'll be sharing pretty pictures of harvest like I did last year.
September 22, 2010
Instead, here's a lovely portrait of the birds' "calling cards" on the milo leaves. What little grain there was in the field has been picked over by birds with as much fervor as football players at an all-you-can-eat buffet. Even the birds are probably asking for a refund since this year's milo buffet is mighty slim pickings.
Just like those football players who leave all the dirty plates on the table, the birds left the hulls behind. (See the difference in the top of the head where the birds have eaten out the rust-colored grain.)
Since there probably isn't enough grain to harvest this fall, we will likely leave it in the field. After a freeze, Randy will graze cattle on the milo stalks. Doesn't a freeze sound good right about now?
Oh, Kim! I'm so sorry to hear about this year's milo crop. This drought is toppling all your expectations. With his decision to turn the cattle loose on the stalks, Randy is trying to make the best out of a very difficult year. Praying for you both...
ReplyDeleteWe are fortunate to have crop insurance. The premiums are high, but it's certainly worth it on years like this one. And yes, Randy always tries to find the silver lining. That's a great quality to have in a husband.
ReplyDeleteHi Kim,
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to read about your crops...this has been the worst year I've ever seen here for heat and no rain. We live in Harvey County here in Kansas and it seems that when everyone else was getting a little rain we got nothing or just a teaser drop or two. Looks like the only farmers to make any money this year will be the ones with irrigation and I imagine it cost them a pretty penny to run their equipment. Our hearts go out to all of you who lost crops. I hope despite your loss you're enjoying your long weekend...have a wonderful Sunday.
Maura :)
Thanks for stopping by Maura! I know we were definitely not alone with crop failures this year. Much of this part of Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas have struggled with extreme drought. We did have a wonderful weekend with family. And that's what is important, in the scheme of things, isn't it?!
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