Covercrop Report

We strip tilled barley, wheat, peas, vetch, turnips, kale seeds last fall into the standing cornstalks. The cows walked on it and we waited. This spring it came to life and after the blessing of a soaking rain it really took off and grew. It grew too tall to waste. So we waited to harvest it. We got 290 bales for summer feed. The cows love this stuff. They always choose barley hay before any other. Reed stacked each of those bales on the wagon or truck and then into a haystack. 

Before we started stacking we went to retrieve the strip tiller to cut strips into the residue to provide a seed bed for the corn we would plant next. I worked with Reed to figure out the tractor settings, the angles, and how to get the implement attached. I remembered days with my own father doing these same tasks. But he knew how everything worked and just made it happen. We had to make a few phone calls then trial and error it a few times. Thankfully Reed is strong, patient, and keeps going. I was really proud of us when we got everything put together. That is why we farm the feelings of empowerment when we figure out and successfully overcome challenges. 

Jake and I took a turn hauling a load to the stack yard. He enjoyed the steering wheel. I always feel my grandmother when I drive these old chevy trucks that are the same vintage as the one she drove year after year. Nothing fancy buy reliable workhorses these trucks get the job done. 

So does this guy. He got to drive the stack wagon tractor. He really enjoyed listening to the radio and sitting waiting. I believe he read a book or two. 

Merle is always in the buddy seat. Reed reported they both get grouchy with each other by the end of the day and start fighting. Merle said he finishes the fights because he always wins. This made me laugh. His brothers are so good to him. 

Greg working with his new track filler. He likes how it puts the dirt back into the track. He still uses a carry all to scrape the high sides but mostly this was how he managed the tracks this year. This in combination with the new water point electrical system should greatly reduce the amount of track problems we have had. 

What it does. I also love that it's front mounted so no strain on the neck and back. 

Photo evidence these two resemble each other in a strong sense. I don't see them together often but wow same nose eyes face shape strong match here. 

We took quick breaks from moving hay to watch Addie run the 3000. She won easily and qualified for state for her 4th year in a row. The nest day I snuck away just in time to see her run the 1500 (she got second by .001 second) then I hurried back home to work. She too helped move tractors, trailers, people whatever needed to be done. She is not just thinking about her own events but does pitch in when she can wherever needed when she is home. 

The end result. A bit of left over hay but great for holding water, protecting the soil and feeding the biology in the soil. A friend had told me recently that the quickest way to improve the soil is burying alfalfa pellets. Done. 

 I take lots of pictures to share with Mark. He says if he can see what is going on at home it helps him to better focus in Africa. I think he just wants to make sure we are doing it right. We have surely missed him and his vast ability to do anything farm related. However the other kids are loving getting to drive tractors, and are gaining in their skills elsewhere too. All in all we have a necessary workforce training and advancement program on our farm. Life is good and we are blessed with what we need. Even though this weekend was FULL of breakdowns and problems Greg and Reed just kept fixing and figuring out how to proceed. I don't think there are many better lessons than learning the art of solving problems. Although it is very challenging to stay positive. We are blessed to learn and forgive as we endure. Life is good.