Coyote Ridge FarmsWelcome To Our Rural Blog

Small grain harvest is upon us, no doubt.  The other day I helped Farmer Mike with the swathing of his field of organic peas and barley, and today I planned on cutting our oats and wheat.  The problem is that it rained last night.  Not much, but enough (2/10th).  When I checked on the small grains in the morning, they were still on the damp side.  Why cut when it is wet, right?  The grains dry quicker when they are standing.

Since I was not able to head to the fields right away, I figured I would do a little work in the farm’s wine vineyard.  After 4 years, we finally have some grape vines that look like they may produce a few berries this year.  To help support these heavier, producing vines, a series of wires must be strung along each row.  Our rows of vines are 400+ ft long so 12.5 ga. high-tensile wire is necessary for the main support wire.  I was able to put wire up on four rows before lunch time.  The vines look so much better running along the wire.  Almost like a real vineyard… lol

After a quick bite to eat, I set out to swath the 12 acres of oats.  When that was completed, I was quick to start swathing the wheat cutting.  Our wheat field is 38 acres large.  I was not expecting to finish the swathing… and I did not get it done.  Of the 38 acres, I would guess I have a good 12-15 acres still standing.  I hope to complete that task in the early afternoon hours of tomorrow.

I keep watching the weather reports and the grain reports.  One looks better than the other.  When our part of the country seems to get rain [at least] once every 3 days, it’s the markets that seem most positive at this time.  In the last month, wheat prices have climbed nearly $1.50.  So that’s encouraging.  Last year, the prices hovered around $8, but $6.50 is better than $5.

The wildlife out here is prolific.  I chased hundreds of pheasants out of the oats and wheat – a true experience.  The best part of the evening was at around 7PM.  I was able to watch a lone deer stroll along the fields, nibbling on some of the freshly cut oats.  You don’t see this kind of the stuff in the city.  This solo doe didn’t seem to mind the noise of the swather… she was in no hurry.