Dog Days
Early July through mid-August are considered the "Dog Days" of summer. This phrase originated in the time before Christ by astrologers who noticed the appearance of Sirius, the Dog Star, corresponded with the arrival of summer. In modern times, it has become a reference to a more relaxed pace of activity during the seasonal peak in outdoor temperatures.
When I chose this topic for today's theme, my plan was to make the case for no summer slow down at Pinicon. However, as soon as I started reviewing individual schedules, I realized a high percentage of the Team have taken significant time off during this period. We absolutely recognize the importance and support the pursuit of interests, relationships and activities away from work as being essential to a sustainable lifestyle. But I digress. You'd rather hear about all the things we have going on at the farm. Despite this being peak vacation season, there is plenty.
A record number of acres were sprayed this season because we find it cost effective to make more trips. It was not many years ago that fungicide application was considered optional. In a few years, two trips will be considered mandatory. We expect to recover the $15/pass by increased yield, but it takes more men and equipment to get the work done.
Grain hauling is still a big job but less so than in the past as the feed mill uses a high percentage of our corn. Delivering ingredients back to McIntire partially offsets the reduction in outbound traffic. On balance, the mill has led to a noticeable reduction in fuel, man hours, and truck repairs.
Chris has been working on our new fuel delivery truck. With more hp, automatic transmission, repositioned hose reels and custom cabinets to keep nozzles clean and protected, this essential task will be safer, faster and require less effort.
We are at peak harvest prep. Combines, heads, carts, grain hoppers, facilities, and tillage machines. Being practitioners of the "Buy and Hold” equipment ownership philosophy, we spend a lot of time fixing and repairing. We believe this is better for the environment and the bottom line.
It's construction season and several hog barns are going up. They have doubled in price in the last twenty years but are still a good investment. These fertilizer factories also reduce the amount of grain we ship to market. Each five thousand head site consumes 90K bu corn annually and fertilizes 250 acres.
Crop reports went out last week. Ben, Alex, Bert, Danni, Morgen and Kenzie contribute. These reports are the culmination of an entire season of data collection, drone pics, and paper shuffling. Although there are times we question the value, the feedback we get from landowners confirms this is a worthwhile cause.
Labor Day is fast approaching. It is the weekend we typically scout fields to gauge maturity and estimate yield. The prospects for great yields are good but the season's not over. Keeping fingers crossed. Someday will be our best crop ever. Maybe sooner than later.
Jim
