Friday, April 11, 2025
The White River (West Fork) has been booming here this week. It is the result of extraordinary rains last week. We received over 7″ (178mm) here, and we heard of places where they received 10+” (254mm). The nearest measuring stations on the White River are upstream at Edwardsport and downstream at Petersburg. Our fields near US 50 are approximately 1/2 way between the two. The crest was above 26 feet at Edwardsport and will be about 28 feet at Petersburg. The record crest in both locations was in 2008 at 29.3 feet! So, this flood event is the second-highest in history. Yesterday, the river reached its crest here along US Highway 50. The effects could be long-lasting. The flood waters went over our levee at the Nellie farm, and there could be significant repairs necessary there. Plus, just for the waters to recede and the fields to dry will likely put us into the month of May for any field work down there. Still, with the challenges, it is better to flood now than in late summer or early fall.
Here is the Edwardsport river forecast from NOAA. The river has started down at Edwardsport, and will crest tomorrow at Petersburg. If you look closely, you’ll see the record level as a dotted line at the top.
Westbound traffic on US 50 was narrowed down to the passing lane.
Back in 2008, the water covered all of US 50 at this location, and the highway was closed for a few days until the water receded.
The guys have stayed busy this week with other projects. On Tuesday, Kyle from Hutson’s came to perform a PIP (Product Improvement Program) on our newer JD combine. Kyle replaced the auxiliary hydraulic pump and some hoses. After he completed his work, the guys set in to service the combine with an engine oil change and lubrication, and to install the specific items in the threshing system for wheat harvest. Now, it’s fully ready to go to the wheat field in late June! On Wednesday, Brandon D went over to Nutrien and brought home a load of soybean seed.
John and Brandon D and Brandon K work at lubricating all the necessary zerks on the S780.
The highlight of this day was a visit from a friend from back in my Purdue days. Gary Bex texted me that he would be in the Vincennes area today and that he could stop by. It was so great to see Gary and catch up on the details about him and his family. It struck us that we were at Purdue 50 years ago! Gary now lives on the west side of Indianapolis. Thank you, Gary, for coming today! What a treat!
Me and my friend Gary Bex
We are looking forward to warmer days and drier days! The second and final portion of nitrogen is set to be applied to the wheat crop early next week. The fields will not be in perfect condition, but the growth stage of the wheat demands that the N gets applied! Once the wheat gets to the stage with about 50% of the heads emerged, it will need another application of fungicide.
Have a great weekend.
