From the Fields: A tragic loss

Another week with higher temperatures and humidity has passed. We did receive a couple pop-up showers Saturday with a combined total of a little less than 0.15 inches of rain. North of the state line in Wisconsin there were totals in the 1.25 to 1.6 inches range for rainfall. The forecast has chances of rain every day, but only about 0.3 inches total for the week predicted.

I was out with our fellow seed salesman looking at all of my fields Friday morning. We saw a tip-back in many fields and varieties. A good soaking rain would really help develop kernel depth and help fill soybean pods. It is very dry out there and the crops are showing the stress again. I have a friend that claims it rains every time she goes camping. I told her I’m considering locking her in her camper and putting it in the middle of our fields for a few days to get some rain for our crops. It really is surprising how good the crops actually look considering the lack of rainfall we have had in this area for the 2021 growing season.

Fall is just around the corner. We have a couple corn silage custom chopping jobs we are lining up for this week as long as the weather cooperates. That will really give a better picture of what is out there in the fields when we can get out to the middle and across whole fields to see more than the distance we have walked in to scout. The apple orchards around here either opened this weekend or are opening next weekend. Those are all signs that it won’t be too long until we see combines in the fields.

I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to the family of Brian Satorius of Menard County in the tragic loss of Brian on Aug. 20 in a farming-related accident. It was a pleasure getting to know Brian as a fellow class member of the Illinois Ag Leadership Program. Brian lit up a room and always had a smile on his face. He had a caring heart for people and a passion for agriculture and sharing with others. The loss of Brian is a stark reminder that farming is a dangerous occupation and we never know what day will be out last. Let it also be a reminder to live each day to the fullest, bringing joy to those you meet along life’s journey and sharing your passion for agriculture as Brian did.