Snow Harvest

Snow crop, 2021

 

This year’s snow harvest started in mid-December and continues. Market prices have declined and the futures market has been steady to slightly higher for July but with no storage facilities, that would make it tough for us.

This winter’s harvest has been interrupted with machinery breakdowns and limited repair parts available which means a typical year for the most part. A neighbor, Don Wills, has taken multiple loads to markets as far south as Arkansas for weeks and we wish him well.

This is only the second season in the past seven winters that we’ve had a decent snow although the 2018-19 season was hampered by ice. The snow markets discounted several of our loads that year and times got a little tough during those cold nights.

Old Timers still talk about the snowstorm of ’71 where five-foot drifts made roads to the markets impassable for weeks. There was so much snow they refused all loads for nearly a month and the snow was left to melt in the fields. Another opportunity lost for many farmers and I’m reminded of Deke Williams losing his farm to auction that spring. 

The cold winds have come for all
The bankers demand their due
How can we pay the bills
When the hills of snow turned blue?*

*Ballad of the Lost Harvest – Hank Jenkins Band. From Bend Your Ear, 1973

 Another two inches of snow today – we’ve been blessed.

Taking our snow crop to market

 

 (An early April Fools Day?) 😉

 Linked to Poets and Storytellers United: Writers’ Pantry #53: The Bicentenary of Anne Brontë’s Birth

Merry Christmas - 2020

For a year that held such promise, these last couple of months have been especially challenging as I suspect many others are in the same boat, leaky vessel or life jacket during these "interesting" times. 

I hope all of you find joy and peace today and hold on to them going forward.

May you all pause to enjoy the company of your loved ones.

Thank you all and may the blessings of the world be upon each of you.

 

From all of us at The Stranded Tree Farm - Merry Christmas

Tuesday Triumph - been missing her

 Our three-legged deer hadn't been seen since February this year and she wandered back onto the acreage in October giving us some time in front of the cameras.

We've missed her and hoped that she would visit a little more often but she makes her own choices.

Maybe she'll hang around for a little longer.

Tailgating

Tailgating at the farm:

This is just part of the popcorn harvest that we picked a little early. We found that with the stalks laying over, along with the rains, we were at risk of mold. We separated the bad ears of corn and kept the best to be bagged in onion sacks to hang for ventilation. This will take about two to three weeks to dry. After that, we get the fun of shelling each kernel from the cob.

The local farmer's markets have been closed all summer but this is a crop we can store for next year and we have a few customers that take deliveries. 

This variety is called Ladyfinger, is mostly hull-less and nearly every kernel pops. They are small kernels and the flavor makes it our favorite, although another variety works well for caramel corn. We've had to ration our last crop and are down to less than a cup remaining.

Despite the weather issues, this has been the best popcorn we've produced and we're getting the ground ready for next year. 

With any luck, we'll produce an even better crop.

Straightline winds

I mentioned that this was some of the best popcorn I raised. Well, now that half is laying over:

On Monday, a storm came through eastern Iowa and caused the damage. Corn laying over, tree damage, roofs missing and power blackouts. We missed the worst but many in the area are still without power for going on day 4.

We lost a few trees. Black cherry and walnut mostly but I won't have a full account until the weekend.

I wasn't expecting this kind of work right now but circumstances sometimes dictate my workdays.

Monday Moms - cloudy skies

But Mom is still looking out for the little one

Friday Fawn

Pause to give a profile shot in front of the camera:

The Subcommittee

Excerpt of a meeting some months back of the Nomination Subcommittee of the Public Relations Committee at The Stranded Tree Farm:

The Representative of Hardwoods cleared his throat, “This last nominee is for a hard maple for a group. Rule 7 does not specifically prevent trees to represent groups but this is our first.”

Fruitbearers Representative said, “Why can’t you plant a tree for each of the members? The membership of the group can change over time. Is that right?”

“There’s no formal membership. It’s more of a community,” I replied. “It was only recently that I added my words.”

“A group that would welcome you as a member… Well, I’d have to wonder about them,” the powerful Nutbearer Representative laughed.

“That’s why I’ve nominated them. They’re inclusive of anyone, regardless of age, experience.  I don’t think they discriminate anyone. Well, almost anyone. There are rules,” I paused, “They welcomed me, yes.”

“Why not plant a tree for each of them?” the Fruitbearer Rep repeated, “You have plenty of trees.”

“I don’t want to single anyone out since there are many good members of the community.”

The Soil and Water Representative was stoic, “I’m not convinced. I think this should be tabled for a while longer. That group may kick you out and then there’s a tree that reminds us of that failure.”

The Hardwoods Rep agreed, “That makes sense. We should give this more time.” The other members of the committee nodded.

I placed an open bag on the table for the committee members. Their tone quickly changed as each looked inside.

“All those in favor of the nomination of the planting of a hard maple tree for Poets and Storytellers United, say aye,” the Hardwoods Rep made the motion.

All members replied, “Aye.”

“Motion carried. Congratulations. Meeting adjourned.”

I think this is how things work in Congress.

Legacy Trees are planted for our friends and are reminders each time we look upon the trees and take note of their growth. In this case, Wee Sprout is growing faster than the other hard maples that we transplanted this year. I’m hoping growth above ground equals to growth below ground.

Cheers to all!

Wee Sprout - July 2020

Edit: I neglected to add a link to the original dedication - Tree of Words where Wee Sprout is introduced to the community,

Posted to Poets and Storytellers United: Writers’ Pantry #29: Never Lose that Sense of Hope

Wildflower Wednesday, Tangled up in Blue

From the wildflowers that we planted earlier this year

Monday Moms, first mom of July

This little fawn is just one in its family. We have another set of twins this year but no good pictures to share.