What a year this has been

deere755 · Aug 27, 2009

Spring rolled around and it rained and it rained and then it rained some more. We finally got in the field around Memorial day and then it rained some more, so we got to replant a good portion of what we all ready planted and then it rained some more. Then we planted beans and replanted beans. I forgot to mention by the time we got in the field the weeds had taken over so that meant extra tillage passes and it was never really what I would call ideal soil conditions but it was getting late so we went. We got stuck a few times more then I recall any other year. I lost count how many flat tires we had this year on our equipment, 2 on brand new tires, 1 in the first 4 hours of use. I believe we had more flat tires this year then we have had in the last 10 years combined. Fertlizer and seed cost were the highest I have ever seen them and now the markets have dropped considerably. My wife took a 7 % pay cut at her job. My job has slowed down some too. On the bright side we did do more custom work then ever before so that helped with the lost income. July rolled around and I had a mini stroke. Now Fall is approaching and I have to have surgery. I will be laid up for most of it I am afraid. Luckily I have good friends and family willing to help us out this Fall. I am worried that we may have an early frost and that will hurt our crops. I forgot to mention our planter tractor went down for 3 days during planting. With all that happened this year I look around and I see people worse off then me. I thank God everyday for what I have and I am grateful that things are as good as they are. I would not change my job for anything. I must say I hope 2010 is a little smoother though LOL.

wjoerob · Aug 28, 2009

WOW! You have really been through it lately! All I can say is God bless you. May He lift up His countenance upon you and give you PEACE!

DennisArrow · Aug 28, 2009

God has HIS own way down the path of that life HE gives us. Golly, you still have your land, you did get your crop in, you were able to get the weeds under control, you did repair the tractor, and you wait to see the fruits of those labors. Allowing your friends and relatives to repay the love and gifts you have given them is a blessing above all.
When I read of you having a stroke I glanced at your spelling and the composition of your writing and realized that the strength you have has not diminished.
Yes, to look around and realize that HE blesses me in so very many ways. I do not understand the WHY of what HE does. It totally amazes me that HE blesses me with HIS grace and gifts. To be thankful and to serve HIM is all that I can do......Thank you for the lesson of HIS Grace.......Dennis

jayste · Aug 28, 2009

I concur with all that has been said! God bless the servant and the farmer, part time or full time! I agree we are all blessed in one form or fashion. He is a mighty and forgiving God!

Jay

Thomas · Aug 28, 2009

That's good dinner plate full..whew.

May mother nature and goverment shine down on you before 2010.

DIRTROAD · Aug 28, 2009

deere755 said:
With all that happened this year I look around and I see people worse off then me. I thank God everyday for what I have and I am grateful that things are as good as they are. I would not change my job for anything. I must say I hope 2010 is a little smoother though LOL.

Always, seek God first in all that you do and remember it is His plan. I have been in the same type of situation as you and I will tell you from experience to just hang in there and keep on praying. Things will get better. Just think of this as a little test or a little speed bump.

Kfbeal · Aug 28, 2009

At least you got the rain. Down here we're in the roughest drought in years. The cotton farmers down here were estimating pounds per acre, not bales per acre. Many just shredded the cotton down because the bolls were hard-locked and wouldn't open. Insurance this year will be paying out for sure down here. The only crops that were decent were irrigated and IW wells are probably $10-$20k/month to run.

Gins were paying .32/lb and insurance .62/lb from reports I heard.

My wife just had her hours cut weekly and they are not paying their insurance premiums any longer. My insurance covers her but it's the point.

The year just seems to be getting worse and worse for some. Hopefully things will start to turn around for everyone.

deere755 · Aug 28, 2009

I just learned today that there was some problems with my heart during my stress test. I will find out more on that Monday afternoon.

MotorSeven · Aug 29, 2009

Hang in there Deere, modern medicine is amazing. I still hate hospitals and ER's under any circimstances....stiches...nawww, it'l make a purdy scar!

RD

rox · Aug 31, 2009

You wrote
"With all that happened this year I look around and I see people worse off then me."
Yup that's the atitude. As my old babysitter used to say, "could be worse" As bad as things are ya know it could be worse. A lotta people have it a lot worse.

My cousin was a Supervisor for aircraft maintenece at Northwest airlines, certified power plant and all. Northwest found it was cheaper to simply fly thier planes to China for major overhaul work. He got jobs here and there and finally got a vry good job in Milwaukee. he got hired in the secret back building for Harley Davidson where they develope their new products and designs and wans't there long and got laid off. Has a wife and a son in college and another one in HS. Had a lousy first wife but is very happy with his second one. Built his dream home and now he is probably going to loose it. Yup could be worse...