Picking Ear Corn

We had several acres of corn that Seth wanted to pick with a corn husker or an ear corn picker.  This would leave the kernels and the cob intact, instead of separating the cob from the kernels in a combine.  With ear corn, we will grind it up and feed it to our calves.

The additional roughage will aid in digestion and prevent bloating issues. 

We borrowed a 3-row ear corn picker, but it could only handle two rows at a time, so it was slow-going. 

A load or two in the grain bin already.

A load of corn coming in.

The boys were excellent help.

Trying to moderate the flow of cobs going up the elevator.

Going up!

Coming down!

Emmet and I took a turn at the elevator as well. 

In the field, watching the corn being picked and tossed into the wagon.

It got dark on us after a long afternoon of trying to keep the picker going. 

 

"Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains."

James 5:7

Hay, Hay!

 

We had two work days of baling small square bales.  The end of August and the first of September found us on the rack, lifting and stacking bales.   

Our crew!

It wouldn't be square baling without a few baler issues.

Eliza and I waiting on the baler repairs.

Everyone was helping but there's always a few tears when it comes to "where can I stand?" or "I want to do that bale" or "I need a drink."  But, we get it all worked out. 

On top of the rack, almost ready to be done.

 

 

Exhausted x 3. 

 

A week or two later, we did another 150 bales.  This time it was a little warmer, nearly 90 degrees in September. 

 

 

The bales were already baled and dropped on the ground. 

Ephraim drove the tractor to the bales.

Grandpa Arlin and I picked them up and put them on the rack.

Emmet, Eden & Eliza were stacking them on the rack.

We work out  . . .side. 

That's our work crew!  Our cows will enjoy the square bales this winter and spring.

 

Proverbs 14:23"All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty."