Tuesday afternoon, June 2, 2026
After checking the soybean fields for replant possibilities yesterday, I could go and do a little bit today. I replanted soybeans in drowned-out spots on the Steen and Steimel and Dunn farms. I estimated about 20 acres, ended up planting 27.2. With the 80ºF (27C) temperatures this week, those should be peeking up out of the soil by Saturday. The JD 9540R tractor (with the air drill) is a little bulky to get around narrow Knox County roads, but most drivers are very cooperative to get past me.
Other fields near the White River are still too wet to get back there to replant. The river has not entirely receded, and after it does, it still takes some warm and dry days to get the soil properly dry enough to plant into it. I’m estimating Monday the 8th to return to Freddie, Nellie, Commer, and Grubb. There could be 350-390 acres across those 4 locations that will need the air drill once again… Freddie will be for the 3rd time! I’m sincerely praying I can get the replant done before it’s time to run the combines for wheat harvest!
John was able to use the JD R4044 sprayer yesterday to apply some post-emerge herbicide to some more of the soybean fields. The wind was favorable in speed and direction, and he found some fields dry enough to drive across. He’s hoping to do more, and to get ‘caught up’ through the soybeans by Friday night. We will see.
John spraying across soybeans near Wheatland on Monday. Stopping johnsongrass and some marestail and waterhemp.
Brandon K is out on his 4-wheeler spot spraying some ditch banks. There is a relatively new weed called hemlock that seems to be taking over in this area. Unseen here until about 3 years ago, it is increasing rapidly. Ditch banks and roadsides are seeing more and more of it. It seems to be displacing even the thistles.
Brandon D did some roadside mowing yesterday, and today he assisted the guys from Montgomery Welding who are replacing the conveyor chain in our big unload pit. He will also help keep the sprayer support trailer ready as John needs it. He will run the bush hog as it fits around his other tasks.
Pat and I are working VBS this week, Monday through Thursday evenings. It is very interesting, and fun to interact with kids from age 3 through 5th grade. Turnout numbers are pretty good, but not overwhelming. Our Children’s Director at WCC, Jennifer, wrote the curriculum–based on stories about Daniel. She has plenty of volunteers and it is great to see how everyone pulls together to make VBS meaningful and fun. But I have to admit, when we return home in the evening, Pat and I both say, “Whew!”
The days are drawing to a close for any replanting of corn. More of it survived the flooding than we anticipated, and it won’t amount to very many acres, probably <20. But if we cannot return there by June 15, we will not replant and just accept it as it is.
This day is a beauty… 80 degrees and clear blue sky and a gentle breeze. I don’t know who the famous guy was that said it, but he was correct when he said, “There is nothing more rare than a day in June”. This one, in particular, is lovely.
Wheat is about 10 days to 2 weeks off. It’s golden on top, but peering down into the crop canopy, it is still pretty sappy and green.
May you have a great first week of June.
