Partners and friends,

Sweet corn is ready to pick-this is about 2 weeks behind normal. Living in times like these is making me wonder what normal is going to look like going forward. Just when we think things are returning to some semblance of the past, the rules (phases) are changed again and we are left wondering what is useful and what the truth is. We continue business much as usual and prepare for the next task at hand.

We are looking for harvest to begin around middle of September-a few weeks later than normal but with the cool wet start to the growing season it makes sense. The corn fungicide has been applied and the beans will soon follow. All crops are looking good and if the sweet corn ears are any indication of the corn crop it will be a good one. Ears are pollinated to the tips and are filling well. The beans are not extremely tall(not a bad thing) and are starting to pod. August weather will tell the tale for bean yields but the forecast turned cooler and wetter a couple of weeks ago. The summer project list is getting a bit shorter. We have repaired several barn/shed roofs, shored up some structural issues on the 109 year old horse barn, replacing 37 year old shop ceiling, replacing 80 year old tin walls, and remodeling some buildings to make the more equipment friendly. All the while emptying the bins of 2019 crop, mowing roadsides and waterways, baling hay, spraying weeds, rebuilding the planting equipment and taking some time off for family and relaxing.

The national and international Ag scene is looking for new normal too. Supply issues, ethanol and oil consumption, who to trust in trade deals, how much government intervention in production of commodities, reoccurrence of Asian Swine Flu, and what rules are being enforced and what has been given delays are all playing into the decisions we must make on the farm each day. It has been a whole new experience doing business in the Farm Service Agency parking lot! And wearing masks with the field inspectors for the seed fields seems kinda awkward-let alone trying to carry on a conversation while 6 fee apart with mouth covered.

The family is enjoying reacquainting again. Marcus and family are on a trip out west. Stephani and her kids have been to the farm and we are anticipating Lindsay and her family soon. Phyllis is having a reverse shoulder surgery this week. Ali has handled over 90 calves this summer and our chickens are starting to lay eggs. God is good.

Fall prices

Corn--3.23

SB--8.85

Keep in touch,

Steve