FINAL 2025 PRE-HARVEST PHOTOS (PROBABLY)

 

You should see Earl rise early, work and manage here. He insisted on harrowing the bean ground and using the big cultivator, etc., till it only took 4 ½ days to “lay by” 62 acres. In former years it would have taken a crew of 6 to 8 men two or three weeks at big wages to do it. – Ina Dobson, 7-30-1933

Combine on top of hill

The harvesters were working in the ‘hood as we left the farm Friday afternoon (Aug. 15). We hear them working on the next place over whether or not we see them. We expected them here sooner, so we’re disappointed that this stay at the farmhouse concluded before they arrived. By the time we return, they likely will have finished.

So, why did we leave the farm if we were looking forward to harvest? Well, Mike wanted to ride with cyclists Saturday morning, and as long as he was working out of our town base, he arranged a motorcycle ride for Sunday morning. AND – we were out of milk. We can’t get along without milk.

We still anticipate harvest, but the hustle and bustle of the season just isn’t what it was “back in the day” when workers were hired and fed. Even when I was a girl and harvest was managed by my dad and a helper or two, it was still an exciting time. I experience some carry-over from those days. Mother cooked on the old wood stove, but sometimes she cooked in her own town kitchen and carried the mid-day meal to the farm. Cooking in a modern kitchen was much easier – and cooler.

I remember how dirty harvesters used to get. My dad’s face was covered with dust except for the clean ring around his eyes caused by his goggles. Thank goodness for his goggles! Daddy did not leave the farm during harvest, so he “washed up” before bed in the old kitchen. In those days, he started early and quit at suppertime. These days, the harvest operation starts mid-morning and sometimes continues after dark. Those big machines have lights. 

Mother lamented the passing of the small family farm. “It was a good life,” she said, and our neighbor the late Neil Miller concurred. “It WAS a good life,” he agreed. The day came when Neil’s heir had to give up the farm operation and lease to a larger operation. We all did. KW