Tuesday, March 22, 2022
After a beautiful, 70ºF (21C) day yesterday, it is a gray and rainy day here in SWIN. We will be meeting with another consultant this morning who would like us to utilize his services for comprehensive agronomic advice. Even on rainy days, there is often some activity to engage our attention, even if field work is not possible. Like last Saturday’s drizzly morning, I used that time to repair the video feed on the back of the soybean planter. The cable that ran through the air cart had gone bad, and by replacing that cable, the video once again is functioning.
A light rain with 51ºF this morning.
Rainy day
During the sunny afternoon yesterday, I went in the Gator over to the new Leser farm location to pick up some sticks. It felt good to make some progress on that project, but some more bulldozer work remains. It is beginning to feel like it’s getting ‘down to the wire’ to get that cleared off. Next week may bring some more activity there.
During the best part of yesterday afternoon, I also ran the mower for a short time here by the farm office. It was looking a little bit ragged, so I took the opportunity to shape that area up. Looks better today! It is not unusual to mow one time in March…
Mowing on a zero-turn is interesting
The JD 9360R tractor still is in the shop at the local JD dealer. After a formal inspection, it is receiving a significant repair. At 10 years old, it is not surprising that it requires some refurbishment. Major bearings in the center steering hinge are being replaced. By the time this rainy spell dries up again, we need that tractor to be out and available. Should be done by this weekend.
Here is the back half of the 9360R tractor. The bearings that allow the tractor axles to oscillate, and the steering bearings are being replaced.
One of the surprising things about that tractor is the tires. They are Michelins, and hardly show any wear at all! It is quite a contrast to the Firestone tires on the 9520R tractor. This is further evidence for me that I prefer Michelins on the farm equipment.
We recently were contacted by a popcorn company, and after consideration, it appears we will likely be contracting some acres to them in 2023.
The trailer repair at Frankfort, Indiana is complete. Brandon will likely go bring it home tomorrow.
We are excited and hopeful about the upcoming NCAA Regional games this weekend, in particular, the game of Purdue vs. St. Peter’s. The Boilermakers got past Texas on Sunday night. It was a great game… if you didn’t have any emotional ties to either team, it was just really good basketball. But if you had a connection to one of the teams, it was an emotional roller-coaster! We are so grateful the Boilers pulled away a bit at the end! All the best to them as they go to the next step in the tourney. Our hearts are with them!
Have a great week.
