The wheat is in the bin (except for random stragglers along the ditches like in the photo above). And while it wasn't the bin buster that it looked to be in the early spring, we do feel blessed that Wheat Harvest 2012 was better at the County Line than it was for others - even some of our neighbors.
It just goes to show what a difference a timely rain makes. We got 1.80" of rain here at our house April 30 as the wheat heads were filling. Farmers just six miles away got only 0.20" that same night. The spotty rains made for a big difference in yields a month later, cutting some yields in half.
We made history this year. It was our earliest start for wheat harvest ever. We began on May 26 and finished June 9. (We wouldn't have been done that soon without the help of custom cutters - Crockett Farms - and a neighbor and his hired men - Keith, Johann and Henry. Thanks to all of them!) Last year, we started harvest on June 10. In 2010, we began on June 18. (That's one positive thing about blogging: I actually have those dates in black and white!)
Our average yield this year was 45.5 bushels per acre. The high was 63 bushels per acre on one field and the low was 22 bushels an acre on lower-quality ground the owner uses primarily for hunting. Test weights were all between 60 and 64 pounds per bushel, with most above 62. The benchmark for No. 1-graded wheat is 60 pounds per bushel.
I successfully completed another season of
Meals on Wheels - Country Version.
There was only one breakdown on the combine and a couple of flat tires and a belt problem on a truck. All in all, we have plenty to be thankful for. And we are!
The end ... well, the end to Wheat Harvest 2012 anyway.
I am amazed at how early harvest has been this year! I still find a field of wheat to be one of the most beautiful sights around. ( and I know farmers consider a CUT field to be pretty spectacular!) I'm glad your harvest went so well this year!
ReplyDeleteI know! We were done before last year's start date - crazy! I, too, love the beauty of ripe wheat, but it's pretty other times of the year, too. One of my favorite wheat photos from the year was the green one after that April rain. Thanks for taking time to comment!
DeleteYea for a successful and safe Wheat Harvest 2012.
ReplyDeleteJ started cutting yesterday. Just getting a start before the weevils take the alfalfa. Looks like the oats are a couple of weeks out. We hay all our oats.
Are you early too? The guys still have plenty to do around here. Jake is swathing alfalfa and Randy planted silage yesterday and double-crop milo today (photos to follow)! Hope your harvest goes well too!
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