The bad and the ugly

Needless to say, I will not plant this hybrid next year. It was a one time venture to determine if it was a reasonable replacement of an old time favorite. Will continue the quest next year with other potential candidates.

The Good

These photos show what is possible when rainfall arrives ten days earlier than the photos in the previous posts.

.60 of an inch is all it took to stave off disaster.

The beans were double cropped into wheat stubble after harvest.

These photos show the impact severe moisture stress during the boot stage has on the head condition and ability to produce grain. Looking at the center photo, 85G01 is on the left side of the screen. 8505 is on the right side.


The left photo is a field of 85G01. It should be completely headed out. Moisture conditions are similar to the field near the shed in the background where 8505 and 85G01 are planted side by side. It indicates 85G01 has a distinct lack of drought tolerance, much less than 8505.

Moisture-wise, rainfall was spotty from planting until last week. We finally received adequate moisture to stop the crop from detereorating further.

The hit and miss of Mother Nature's rainfall

Forgive me, Mother Nature, I'm not at all impressed with your behavior of late. Your rain clouds promise relief from the heat, and yet, they failed to deliver when and where it is most needed.

Before the 18th of August, this field received less than 2 inches of rainfall since it was planted in early June. Note the curled, upright leaves that indicates the plant is in exteme stress due to lack of moisture. An inch of rain a week earlier would have made an entirely different picture.

2006 wheat harvest

Earlier in the spring, this field looked like it was about to die. Very thin stand, not much growth. Then we received nearly five inches of rain in April. Mid fifties yield resulted. 2137 variety.

2006 harvest

Finishing up a field making 56 bushels per acre.

2006 Harvest photos

Believe it or not, harvest is over. Normal harvest time would be just going into high gear about now. Here are a few photos I was able to take while rushing around getting planting done amid the early harvest. Enjoy.

Fall Harvest

I love taking pictures of farm scenes, especially those that have something special to show. Like this approaching storm. I was harvesting corn for a neighbor and saw this frontal system looming on the horizon.

Speaking of the unusual, today, I worked a milo field. This being the first day of Pheasant hunting season, I observed a cock pheasant running through the milo stalks. These birds are smart. They fly only when necessary. Otherwise, they run to escape their predator. Well, this bird must have been short a few feathers in the intelligence department. An hour later, I saw this wierd looking cock pheasant, minus his long tail feathers. This time, he flew away to escape my presence. I figured he must have hidden in the stalks when my tractor and disc ripper passed by. A disc must have knicked his behind. He's one lucky bird. An inch or two in either direction, and...

Family Portrait, end of 2005 wheat harvest

Having no disinterested third party to come along and offer to take a complete family portrait, we took two photos. Ben's friend, Anna, second from left, took the first picture.

Her first Kansas wheat harvest experience, Anna dove right in and helped out with driving the tractor and grain cart, moving personnel and vehicles where needed.

Jessica, minus hubby, Tom, was able to stay the weeklong harvest routine as well. Too bad Tom missed out on her culinary contributions.... By the way, we are ready to make plans to add Tom to the list of harvest helpers next year.

2004 Harvest, Schierling farm, eve of the big storm, photo by Dave

Schierling farm, eve of the big storm. Photo taken by Dave 

Don't mess with me. I have my favorite hat and I'm not afraid to use it! 

Winter's frosty blanket 

A spectacular end of a great day 

The untouched photo of yours truly 

The first step

Upon the urging of a member of my family, namely, Ben, I begin this experiment in blogging. I will post pictures from time to time as well as commentary on my life in KS.