From the Fields: Born in a Barn

The First Christian Church of Greenville has been using farmers in the area to host “Born in a Barn” events at their farms. This has been an outreach to church and community members in an attempt to help strengthen and feed their spirits. This week our family hosted the event in Jerry’s 60x90 barn. We would probably call it a shed or shop, but it does not sound as intriguing for Jesus to be born in a shop. This has allowed men in our community an opportunity to see area farms and to be educated on what farmers are producing right here at home. There’s also a second purpose.

This event showcased an initiative from the church, to feed those less fortunate. My brother has allocated 30 acres to plant non-GMO, hard endosperm food-grade corn, donated by Golden Harvest. We planted the corn April 25 and began shelling it this week at 180 bushels per acre and moisture at 23%. We are drying the corn, which will then be certified by the Illinois Department of Agriculture, then stored, cleaned, bagged, shrink-wrapped, palleted and exported to a relief agency in Central or South America.

This model has been successfully used by a fellow Indiana farm family for years. This type of outreach allows farmers to use something they are exceptional at — producing – and provide for those in need. It really is no different than what most farmers do daily, producing food to feed the world. As a farmer, there’s pride in filling their stomachs and spirits with something essential to survive.

Neighboring farmers have begun shelling corn ranging in yield from 175 to 220 bushels per acre with a moisture content of 16 to 26%. Our beans will not be ready until early October, but neighbors have been cutting beans with yields of 55 to 85 bushels per acre and moisture of 13%. We remain dry this week with the forecast continuing to show cool weather, low humidity and dry. I have previously described my optimism for this year with yield and prices. With the recent prices in our area of $10.70 for beans and $4.12 for corn, I have been encouraged. I hope the yield follows the elevated prices.

In closing this week, I challenge Illinois farmers to think about how your farms impact the world and what your bounty can do for those in need. Have a safe and abundant harvest, everyone.

Greenville, Ill.