The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Greetings ta ever one in western Illinois and all readers of "The Quill."
It finally cooled off a bit last Sunday and more importantly the humidity was lower.
That combination makes it more tolerable fer work'n outdoors and fer the chillens in schools with no air conditioners.
"Get your harvest'n equipment in shape and ready. It's a come'n quicker than ya thinks." Some folk have started chopp'n silage this week.
Big Crop
USDA came up with a new big crop report recently predict'n record yields. Corn/soybean prices are now below the cost of production. Three farmers were a boast'n their corn yields fer their entire acreage will average over 300 bushels per acre this year. Others say fer sure their average corn yields will be 240 to 250 bushels per acre or more.
Maybe those fellers are right, even though it's a bit hard fer us old timers to swaller. When we started farm'n, years ago, average yields fer the state was around 50 bushels per acre. Things have changed a lot since them days.
What I can't figure out however, is why those boastful braggers waste their breath claim'n record yields when that same breath could be used ta just call Mr. Kellogg and all other Chicago board of trade speculators and invite them ta our area ta steal the corn straight forward.
At least that-a-ways they might make some extra change by offer'n ta haul it in a semi or two that they own off the farm.
It makes no sense ta me fer them blow hards to be bragg'n on yields in public and in the news and drive'n down prices, regardless of it be'n fact or fiction.
Auto makers and Caterpillar and others like "em seem capable of keep'n price depress'n secrets close to their chest.
New Birth
Congratulations to Daniel and Leota Lee of Blue Jay Barns fame up north, southeast of Smithshire. They brought their ninth child ( 6 boys, 3 girls) into this world and they did it the old fashion way, at home. Daniel helped Leota himself and that's what can be called teamwork. It was intentionally done that-a-way.
Politically Correct
Recently I learned from Don Reid some enterest'n information. He began by quote'n scripture: Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ - Colossians 2:8
He continued that this question normally refers to speech or conduct acceptable to society.
But he went on to explain how he wanted to evaluate how, he as a Christian, should relate ta politics and ta government elections in particular.
He went on ta note that by now in a presidential election year, campaigns in the United States are usually work'n to climax in their efforts ta sway voters their way.
Here is the question he presents, in his thoughts, fer us: How much has the election captured our attention? In deed, it is a hot topic of conversation these days, and it is both easy and tempting to be drawn into the fray of politics. But, should Christians get involved he asks?
As Don looks at the example of Jesus, he found no indication that Jesus was involved in the politics of his day. Jesus could easily have addressed moral issues as items on a political agenda rather than as heart issues of man kind.
So Don's mind set, Jesus never dealt with evils like slavery, prostitution, and government oppression as political issues. His mission was ta save man kind from sin (John 12:47, not just from social problems. He knew that it is impossible to legislate morality, as the Jewish authorities were try'n to do.
Don feels that like Jesus, Christians should be focusing on kingdom living, not on worldly politics. Though we are called to speak out against evil, it is not our mission to force Christian principles upon others.
We are called, Don sez, ta be separated from worldly affairs and simply let God's providence do it's work. Paul's epistles admonish us ta pray fer our government leaders and ta honor them.
We are ta obey civil laws as long as they do not conflict with God's laws, and to live peaceably as best we can (2 Timothy 2:1-3).
Don feels that should be a Christian's testimony during these times.
Don concluded his thoughts by quote'n 2 Peter 1:10 - Instead of pursuing government election, lets "give diligence to make (our) calling and election sure."
Well, Don has certainly provided much food fer thought dure'n this time of the political season.
I expect the boys and I will dwell on and discuss his thoughts quite thoroughly fer a spell. It is always enterest'n ta learn of different perspectives on any given subject.
Next week it is hoped I can write on "the Cancelled Vote."
FFA Election
Congratulations to John Campbell fer be'n elected Illinois State FFA President and ta his parents, Shari and Russ Campbell, as well. That is quite an honor.
Have a good rest of the week and my advice to farmers in this area is:
Good-by FRIENDS
It is always sad to lose a friend/loved one fer any reason. I and the boys are gonna miss two faithful community servants and farmers, Duane Harden and Ken Nimrick. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families and friends. Hope'n ta see you'ns in church this week.
Rememer, wherever ya are, whatever ya be a do'n "BE A GOOD ONE!"
Keep on Smile'n
Catch ya later
BARNYARD BRUKE