View from the Cab: If he's going, I'm going

By Kent Casson

I just saw the first tractor and disk traveling down the road a half mile away and I’m ready for fieldwork!  Well, kind of.

What is it about seeing that first tractor out on a sunny day when a neighboring farmer thinks he must do something too? It’s kind of like when one sees the neighbor planting right across the road in early April and we say to ourselves, “if he’s going, I’m going.” Thanks to reader Safety Joe for providing the inspiration for that quote.

While we may get antsy about getting going out in the field, we must remember it is only early March and there is still plenty of time before planting season. I don’t want the season to arrive just yet because I’m not ready.  I have plenty of other work to catch up on first before the long days and sleepless nights hit.

We don’t get too anxious about the shop work as our shed is not heated. You must wait for a nice day to even open the doors and soak up the sunshine so you don’t freeze inside while working on things. The first of April is often a good time for this since it allows us a couple of weeks to look things over and get outdoor things done before the schedule really fills up with time spent in the field.

March is always that transition time when the farm shows wind down but meetings are still happening to educate growers on the latest market trends, agronomic issues or financial recommendations. Time is often spent sitting in front of a computer working on tax stuff while we meet with our trusted tax advisors ahead of the filing date.

It is always nice to venture outdoors even if for only a few hours following a long, cold winter. Our family has spring sports starting soon so we will get our share of cold and warm days, I’m sure. Thank goodness for indoor track season during March as temperatures are pretty unpredictable this time of year.

Who wants to place bets on when we will be cutting grass for the first time this year?  After the recent rains and warmer temperatures, we will soon see green spots in the bottom of the ditches and the green areas only get bigger as April approaches. Hopefully the plants don’t try to emerge too soon and the tree buds hold off a bit longer.

Allergy sufferers beware – your time is coming if it’s not here already. I have caught myself sneezing every morning for the past week so something must be in the air.

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