Friday, October 31, 2008

Checking on local crops

I haven't ridden my horse nearly as much as usual, this summer. So it had been awhile since I went down near the Missouri River to see how what was happening with the crops on the rich bottom-ground.



On the way there, I noticed someone planted some winter wheat. This crop will go dormant during winter, but at the first hint of spring it will green up again and grow. It can often be harvested in time for the farmer to plant soybeans in the same spot, thus getting two crops off the same bit of ground in one growing season.


There are still plenty of soybeans left to harvest.


The line of trees in the distance marks the bank of the Missouri River, which was my original destination.

But I didn't make it, because I found a flurry of activity on the way there.

Farmers are combining soybeans!

The combine is creating quite a cloud of chaff and dust. What do you suppose this farmer thinks of a lady on horseback taking his picture? He isn't one of the farmers I'm acquainted with, but at least nobody told me to get off his property.


One truck is loaded with soybeans, one is waiting to be filled.

Now that's a lot of soybeans. Perhaps some of them will wind up in the next bottle of vegetable oil you buy at the grocery store; although the largest portion of soybeans is used as protein in livestock feed. It's mind-boggling, though, the many uses for this crop.

It was a good two-hour ride, and a perfect day for it.

14 comments:

  1. We are so fascinated with the farming process. We live across the road from a farm, and farm equipment goes up and down our road. NEAT stuff! Dangerous... but neat.

    THANKS for sharing.

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  2. I enjoyed your ride with you...

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  3. This was a wonderful ride. I haven't ridden in over 40 years and the story with the pictures took me back. Now I have to go ice my bottom (lol).
    Karen

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  4. Grandpa (my dad) is surrounded by fields on all sides. The boys are fascinated when the see the changes.

    Blue is quite a gentleman to put up with all that machinery. Many horse I know, would have hightailed it home.

    Looks like a great day!!

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  5. I always enjoy your rides. It is beautiful here too and as usual I'm behind a desk so seeing your pictures helps a little. Thanks for sharing them. 'On Ya'-ma

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  6. This was so neat! I live about 8 or 9 miles from Levasy where the Missouri River goes by.... It was interesting seeing your pictures! Hugs, Grams

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  7. My Dear Hubby has been back to Overland Park a few times in the past few years on business and has told me how FLAT it is in your part of the world. After looking at your photos here, I do agree with the man, ha! How on earth do you figure out what direction you're headed in when you don't have the West Hills to the west of you and the Cascade Mountain range to the east of you like we do here in Portland??? And the Columbia River to the north of us as well, ha! I think I'd get totally disoriented. And, oh, how I wish I had a horse!!! Some of my best girlhood memories are of horse riding with friends who owned horses.

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  8. What a nice ride! It is amazing what all they use soybeans for!

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  9. What a lovely ride, I haven't been on a two hour ride for months and months. The gal I ride with has a horse with heaves to we have to take it pretty easy now.

    Didn't know there were so many uses for soybeans. Great pictures!

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  10. Oh I enjoyed "the brief ride" while reading your journal. Always love the photos you take with the horse ears.
    So do you all get many trick or treaters out your way? Only had three knocks at our door. We get to eat a lot of candy it looks like. lol.
    Sonya

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  11. I enjoyed your ride on Blue, Donna. I missed your rides and pictures throughout the summer. LOL.

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  12. Oh Donna, I loved loved loved reading this post. It made me long for my full front porch back in the country in Ohio. I am so not exaggerating when I say that I could take my lunch out on the porch just so I could watch farmers plant and harvest. And the harvest was the best. That wonderful autumn color that the soybeans turn to before harvest. Ah!!!! And we eat lots of soybeans here (soy milk, soy nuts, tofu, etc., not to mention that soy is in waaaay more products than folks might be aware of) so I have a particular fondness for them anyway. Thanks so much for taking the time to share these great photos. I've now had my country "full up" for the day.
    Blessings,
    ~Toni~

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  13. Wide-open spaces... love it.

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  14. Donna, I love seeing the Missouri Countryside from between Blues ears. It makes a great frame. Marlene

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