Farm to Fork Harvest Report Days 20-25

As dusk settles on the farm tonight, it is with a good feeling knowing that we have finished all of the winter wheat on both farms.  We have been harvesting now for a little over 3 weeks and with the adrenalin running on high for that long, the 3-4 day lull until the spring wheat ripens is a welcome respite.    Farmer Joe is taking a couple of "motorcycle therapy days" and for me, I'm taking advantage of the lull to putter around the farmhouse and tend to some outside projects as we have a busy Fall schedule ahead of us. In our commitment to try to connect the consumer to the farmer, we are hosting our 4th annual  "Dinner on the Farm" event on September 8th wherein we invite "city folks" to come out to the farm to see what we do, ask questions and enjoy a hearty meal.  This year is extra special as  Farm Journal magazine will be coming out to do an article on our event and what makes it extra special is that they are sending the reporter, Pam Fretwell to cover the story.  Pam and I have gotten to be good friends after she interviewed me a couple of years ago over the phone, and we always try to get together for a cup of coffee or enjoy a cold beer when we see each other at one of the farm conferences.  On October 3 we are hosting the Japan Trade team for a dinner in our home. The buyers love to get to come out to a farm and again, meet some of the people who grow what they buy.

So let me get you up to speed on what we've been doing out in the fields.... A couple of days ago, I rode around with Farmer Joe and shot this video to give you a view of what the guy in the driver's seat sees for 9 or 10 hours (or more) a day. (if unable to view, click here)



The Genesee farm has rolling hills, so the video narrated by Farmer Joe  explains how we have to handle unloading on a steep hillside.

Then this video below shows the combine unloading its bulk tank into the grain cart.  If the wheat yields are good, it takes 3 combine bulk tanks (which can be done in about 45 mnutes) to fill up one of our semi-trucks (today's combines can harvest at a rate of 1,000 to 1,200 bushels of wheat per hour). I thought that was interesting and wanted to share that with you.

It is an unusually warm evening and I'm taking advantage of the warmth to sit outside and  finish my blog.  Our weather is fickle and in one short day it will go from summer to Fall, basically overnight.  And as much as I don't want to stop, my computer is warning me that it needs some recharging.  As always I am so glad you stopped by.  I'm just a key stroke away at idahofarmwife@gmail.com if you have questions. 

P.S. While attending a fun barn yard sale yesterday at a farm down the road, my sweet neighbor graciously offered up 2 monster zucchini as she reads my blog and took pity on me and my lackluster garden. ( Thank you Sheila).    That must have been the turning point as today my little garden is now producing zucchini and spaghetti squash. Yay! I wanted to experiment with the Zucchini Cobbler Bars and try to make a "gluten free" version  for my brother who is gluten intolerant.  Once I get the recipe perfected, I'll post an addendum  to the original recipe on the OMG page.  Till then, hope all is well with you and  yours.  All my best, Gayle.