The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Greetings to everyone in western Illinois.
Harvest is complete or nearing completion for many this season.
Corn and soybeans have dried down in the field quite low in moisture.
It is interest'n to see new volunteer corn grow'n in the early harvested fields indicate'n head loss from excessive shattering and also poor sieve and air adjustments.
"Jack Frost" will take care eventually of that embarrassing second growth.
Corn and soybean prices are higher now than was expected earlier mid-summer by many.
Might be a good time to "ladder" in a few sales of each.
Has anyone noticed the coyotes a yapp'n and carry'n on of late? I wonder what they are make'n all of that noise for and why the accelerated pace just now?
Pheasant season opened up this past weekend in South Dakota. Several hunters from these parts go up there to gather birds for winter eat'n.
Seems harder and harder to find pheasant around this territory and the numbers on quail and rabbit appear mighty sparse as well.
Rabbit, quail, and cock pheasant season opens November 6 in Illinois.
What ever is left after feral cats, owls, hawks, and coyotes have their fill seems hardly fair to hunt. But then, each situation and community is different.
Some folk provide habitat and food plots intentionally for the wildlife and even release birds dure'n the summer months.
Usually 6 to 8 weeks of age is about ideal to release them, they say, as they still have most of their natural instincts for wildness and survival.
It is best if'n they are conditioned before release in an outside pen to get natural oils to the feathers for protection from inclement weather.
Last week I wrote that I would make mention this week of, "Making a Life on the Farm".
These days we hear much about make'n a live'n on the farm. We are repeatedly told that it is very difficult, and the pessimists say it is nigh impossible.
Why?
Is something wrong?
Some folk are quick to blame high land prices, high live'n expenses, low profit margins, or government regulations.
Other people conclude that in order to compete, some new technology is needed, something to increase our efficiency, and thus our profit.
If'n we could obtain more land and farm it in less time, or if'n we could increase our livestock herd, or buy larger machinery or, or, or....then we could pay for the farm, and life would be rosy.
Unfortunately, it is not quite that simple.
With each new fan-dangled gadget, the value of the farmer's time soars higher.
Now losing an hour because of broken machinery or electrical malfunction, or GPS, or satellite interference means many acres of disrupted work. Plus, there is more machinery to breakdown.
Wait a minute! Is make'n a live'n our foremost worry? Maybe we should be more concerned about, "Make'n a life".
Do you live on a farm?
Good. What is it like?
In the morn'n do you have time to pray? Is there time to begin the day peacefully?
Are you rested from the day before? Is there time for a sensible breakfast with the whole family? Lunch? Supper?
Have you time to put the toddlers to sleep after lunch?
Is there time at the end of the day to discuss events with your wife, to sing with the family, to meditate, study God's word, and pray?
Do you have time to help your neighbor when he needs it, or to attend a neighborhood work bee?
Is there time in the even'n to work in the garden as a family, help'n each other with plant'n, hoe'n, or harvest'n?
Do you find time to visit school, attend church?
How about weddings, funerals and visitations for deceased friends?
In short, do you have time to live the life you are strive'n so hard to earn?
Is your answer no?
Do you fall into bed, bone-tired, or drag yourself wearily from it in the morning? Is each day a round of unend'n tasks, from dawn to dusk?
If this is your life, are you really live'n on a farm?
No, a good life includes more than grabb'n for that last penny, cling'n tightly to it as our dy'n breath escapes our nostrils, then leave'n it to rust to oblivion.
Indeed, farm'n has more to do with, "Making a Life" than "Making a Living".
Don't forget the turkey supper at the Stronghurst UM Church Saturday start'n at 4 p.m. It's a mighty good feast.
"And having food and raiment let us be therewith content". (I Timothy 6:8)
Keep on Smile'n
Catch ya Later
Barnyard Bruke