Thursday, April 4, 2024

It’s chilly here today; a stiff breeze is blowing, and it seems to cut right through your jacket.  We received 2.6″ (66mm) of rain Tuesday.   But today, since the new building is complete (well…almost…just no big door) with the wiring finished, the guys are test-fitting machines into it just to see how it will work out.  Eventually, we really think we’ll put the combines ‘way in the back of it, but they are playing “Tetris” to see what else will go in there.

Got some machines inside the new building.

There are two combine headers in there now, along with the 8R340 tractor with planter attached.  Brandon moved that rig in there to get the 340 out of the weather.

This addition affects the next-door building also, for the guys are rearranging machines and trucks inside it too, to make it handier to get trucks in and out.  The combines will come out of this building to go into the new space.  After some trial-and-error, we will settle on an arrangement for both buildings.

While moving the tractor and planter, Brandon used the opportunity to unfold the planter for its first time.  Some of the folding sequence is automated, making the process of going from road position to field position much simpler and easier.

Folded for the road

Unfolded for field work

With the wet and cold weather this week, it appears that our first planting will be the middle of next week at the earliest.  The sprayer is ready, and the planters will soon be too.  Brandon will have support from the dealer to start out the corn planter.

The 9R540 is hooked up to the soybean drill. Once the cart and drill are lubricated, this machine will be ready for planting. If more rain delay is coming, I’ll unhook it to get the tractor stored indoors until the fields are ready.

Gotta admit, I’m getting excited about the Final Four trip.  John and I are taking off tomorrow.  The travel day will be long and exhausting, but once we arrive, it will be a lifetime memory event!  I’ve started the packing process…

Go Boilermakers!