Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Baby Hiesterman's First Wheat Harvest

Wheat harvest is always an exciting time on the farm.  This wheat harvest is extra special since it isn't just me and Dan (and Jasper, our blue heeler/mini australian shepherd mix) riding in the tractor pulling the grain cart.  I am almost 15 weeks pregnant and Baby Hiesterman will make his/her appearance early this winter!  Dan and I couldn't be happier.  We feel very blessed and are thankful for all of the prayers along the journey.

All smiles in the tractor pulling the grain cart
It must be hard having a crop adjuster wife.  Wheat harvest is 3 weeks early this year due to the hot dry weather this spring.  Central Kansas has also been hit hard with hail, so I have been working long hours and running all over appraising hail damage.  There is literally no food in our house right now.  My goal is to someday be the wife who plans ahead and delivers hot sandwiches, homemade cinnamon rolls, and fresh chocolate chip cookies to the field. But for now I am relying on ham sandwiches, chips, and Our Daily Bread Bake Shoppe to keep us going.  I do feel bad for Dan at times, but he is good at fending for himself.  When the wheat is dry and ready, farmers work non-stop, so Dan has also had a crazy schedule.  Wheat can't stand in a field like corn and beans after it matures.  The slightest hail and wind storm can take a wonderful crop to zero in just a few minutes.  Therefore, life revolves around wheat harvest until the last load of grain has been delivered to the elevator.  Things will soon be back to normal, but most Kansas farmers wouldn't trade wheat harvest for the lazy days of summer.  It has quickly become one of my favorite times of year! 

Red combines look better against golden wheat, don't ya think?

Dan and Jasper enjoying the air conditioning while pulling the grain cart

Dan and Uncle John tarping the grain