Weekends
| Well I thought we were going to get some relief from the heat, but looks like I was wrong. We continue to break records for high temperatures. We haven’t gotten a break from the drought either. The last figure I saw showed us at over 10 inches below normal rainfall. We are still in an extreme drought area too. Our governor has issued a statewide burning ban. That’s not stopped some folks from burning anyway though. The local volunteer fire department has been busy trying to deal with small fires that get out from burning garbage or brush. Luckily I got all my burning done before the ban went into effect. I’ll admit it was too dry to be burning, but I didn’t realize just how dry it was until my fires were already burning.I’d hoped that fall shutdown at work was going to allow me to get some things done around the farm, but the shifts have been increased to 10 and 12 hours a day not allowing me any time other than weekends for the farm. At least all the things that have to be done are done. The drought has added the chore of watering to the list of things that have to get done daily. The pond still has water in it, but the way I have the fence the animals can’t reach it. The neck of the pond they usually drink in is now dry. I stopped last week and picked up another water tub at Perkins Feed and Farm Supply. The owner there is a friend and I try to support his business as much as I can. He’s almost always cheaper than Tractor Supply and he’s just next door. That’s a win-win. I guess all is not lost with working the extended hours because I have found time to move a whole bunch of dirt with the 6000 and fill in low spots in the yard and the ditches that we dug for electric and water lines. Also been doing more shopping for square balers with no luck. The shopping did get me up to the local Mahindra dealer and I had a nice conversation with him. He’ll have a 7010 cab coming in sometime in the next week or two. Maybe we can get together on a price we can both live with.
The poultry house pad is nearing completion and we should wrap up our loan and start the buildings in the next week or so. We still have to widen the drive at the state road and install a bunch of culverts to drain water away from the houses. Other than that we only need to do a little work to make the pads look like they belong here. Last weekend was so busy I could barely find time to eat and sleep. We spent the weekend attending the 145th anniversary celebration of The Battle of Mill Springs. It was great to get to see the re-enactment of a real civil war battle. We learned a lot about the civil war and the things they used in that era. We also learned a great quote. Did you know that Abraham Lincoln said “I hope to have god on my side, but I must have Kentucky”. I always thought Kentucky was neutral during the civil war, but according to the information at Mill Springs they had a substantial amount of union supporters. We also attended the company picnic for Kingsford. It was a good weekend for the kids. They sure slept good at night I’ll tell you that.
We all have something to be excited about here in Kentucky. The University of Kentucky football team is off to a great start. Best since Bear Bryant coached here. I don’t ever remember them being ranked 8th. I’m sure they’ll come down a few places after their loss to South Carolina, but I really feel like for the first time in a long time they are capable of beating some great teams. Couple that with the the new basketball coach and the job he’s doing recruiting and things are looking up for the bluegrass state. Well as always there is tons to do so I’ll go for now. Thanks for reading and be sure to check out the pics I’ve added to the site. |
October 8th, 2007 at 10:32 pm
I didnt hear for a while , I figured you must be busy . Its hot up here in Pa too. they are calling for a front to come through on WEd and cool it down. we have weird weather this summer Its like it doesnt rain for weeks , than it pours 2-3″ than it doesnt rain for a while . our garden didnt do well except for the tomatoes and sweet corn
October 9th, 2007 at 4:24 pm
Hi Joel!
I missed the previous blog, and had to go back and read it so that I could understand what was happening on the chicken houses (I thought it was pretty close to dead). Glad you were able to come out with an option that will work.
It is almost wild what a good used baler will bring now a days, but with winter coming closer you ought to get one at a little more reasonable price (dealers/owners wanting to sell rather than carry it over until next year). I think you’ll like the New Holland line. Check the reference section at the public library, the one here carries almost all of the shop repair manuals for farm equipment, for information about the knotters. A lot of the guys I know have gone to wire tie on thier small balers. They say it is better for storing and shipping thier hay, less broken bales. (Many of them ship hay to OK, TX, CO, western KS, NE, and other states.) Dairy farmers and horse people are the biggest buyers of thier small bales, cattle ranchers tend towards the rolls.
I hope this winter turns out to be warmer than normal, but with more precipation than normal (RAIN; NO ICE or FREEZING RAINS PLEASE). I think everyone can use more moisture. The noon news said that Atlanta GA might have to come up with a different water source within the next few months. The two lakes they rely upon for drinking water are drying up and will be dry within the year!
Well, take care and have a great week!
Kevin
October 9th, 2007 at 11:37 pm
Hi
Just found your blog and thought I would say hello.
Maria.
October 9th, 2007 at 11:53 pm
Greetings from Nashville. Enjoyed your blog and
wanted to say I appreciate you taking time out
to share your work and family ventures.
-Travis
Nashville, TN
October 10th, 2007 at 10:23 pm
I enjoy your blog and especially the images!! Keep it coming!
October 11th, 2007 at 12:18 am
Joel, I was feeling a little concern since I didn’t see a posting for awhile. I enjoy the pictures. The roadways look like my old highway 62. Your wooded areas are greener and more dense than Muhlenberg county.Your quote from Lincoln is right–we never lose our sentiment for Kentucky. The weather must be changing now. In my time the snow was deep and we had to walk far to our one-room school. We were tough little critters. The children look well. You are providing them many opportunities and pleasures.
Best wishes to all of you. Grace
October 14th, 2007 at 9:57 pm
Glad to see you posting again, and I’m glad to see progress on the chicken house! It’s been a rough year down here in north Florida for rain, too…We had something like a 20-30 inch deficit, and then we got 27 inches in a week’s time from a northeaster…Flood or famine. A lot of the guys in my county just put out potatoes, and some of the fields are flooded. Hopefully they won’t rot out. Good luck to you, and I hope you become a little less busy soon.
October 17th, 2007 at 10:27 am
Sheila,
ot sure busy even remotely describes what life has been like here the last few weeks. Work, work, and more work. Hopefully it will slow down a bit with colder weather.
Kevin,
Kind of my bad on the previous entry. I thought I had hit publish, but had only saved it. I hear yopu on the square balers. I’ve talked to lots of dealers and most are recommending an inline of some form. I’d like to have new, but wow the price. Lakes are drying up here too. We’ve moved out of the extreme drought category, but the wrong way. They are now calling this drought an exceptional one. Had never seen that category til just the other day. I’m beginning to believe if it doesn’t rain soon there won’t be a good first cutting of hay next year. Keep your fingers crossed for some rain!
Maria,
Thanks for the commet and glad to have you reading!
Travis,
Glad to have the opportunity to share my life with everyone. Hoping they get this Wolf Creek Dam project accelarated so Nashville doesn’t have to worry about a flood and Lake Cumberland can get back to normal pool. Thanks for reading and check back soon!
Chris,
Glad you enjoy the blog! More to come as time allows. Keep checking back!
Grace,
I’ve been all over this great country of ours and I have always longed to get “HOME” to Kentucky. Although Western Ky is different it’s still got a whole lot in common with us here in Eastern Ky. There’s just a whole lot more Federal land here and the government doesn’t pay property taxes so the local governments are poor. We live about a half mile from the litle one room school that my mom attended when she was a little one. Too many of them have been allowed to fall to ruins. As always glad you’re reading and check back soon!
Hurricane Teen,
Noone ever said farmers had it easy. Never know the hand you’re going to be dealt from year to year. Hope evrything turns out okay with the farmers in your area. Thanks for the comment!
October 27th, 2007 at 5:51 pm
lovee the blog.good to see your poultry houses are coming along check ebay for a bailer i got a good 68 new holland old but works real good for about 500.00. i got all my hay eqipment on there for about 1000.00 got a sikle and a rake as well all good to go.got our last cut of hay in we got a 3rd of what we got from the first cut and we skipped the secound all to gether.it was way dry one creek and bothe springs dred up.hope next years better for all of us well you got a real nice looking family.be good to one another.and as always keep looking up.
October 28th, 2007 at 10:42 am
Jim,
Thanks for the comment. I’ve checked ebay some, but never really found what I’m looking for at a reasonable price. I’d really like to inspect closely what I buy too. I’m hoping to find a used inline, but may have to settle for a newer New Holland or Case IH. Luckily my springs never dries up this year. Probably because I cleaned it out good last year. Been way too dry though that’s for sure. Thanks for reading!
February 5th, 2008 at 12:19 pm
We love you Red Tractor Dad!
February 9th, 2008 at 1:54 pm
Hi. Man you got your hands full. I love your farm. I’m jealous. I live in southern Illinois just north of paducah. I’d love to come down & check your farm out sometime if I could over to your neck of the woods. Where are you exactly? How do you like your 6000? I’m looking at a massey 500 series & the mahindra 6000 series. I also like the 7520. Whats your thoughts? Good luck on the farm. Todd.
February 13th, 2008 at 6:48 pm
greenbeanbanshee,
Thanks for the comment! Glad to have you reading! Check back often!
Todd,
I\’m busy, but atleast it\’s keeping me out of trouble. Come on down sometime, we\’re in Pine Knot, KY. I\’m a real fan of the 00 series Mahindras. They are a no frills workhorse. Very simple design. Mine is over 800 hours now. Massey\’s 500 series are pretty much in the same class as the 00 series. If you go that route you\’ll fid you pay extra for the synchro shuttle tranny. The Mahindras have synchro shuttle 8×8s standard in the 00 series. The F-R synchro shuttle is a must for changing directions in applications like loader work. I wouldn\’t be without it. I have never been on a 7520 except at the dealership. Everyone I know that has them loves them. My 7010 cab has the 7520 engine. With the 7520 you gain not only horsepower, but lift capacity and 4 more gears both forward and reverse. I suggest you try both the tractors you\’re interested in and make your own comparison. Do you have a local Mahindra dealer? How about a local MF dealer? Check out these forums for more info on what people think of their brands.
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/
http://www.nettractortalk.com/forums/index.php
PS Come visit in June so you can help in the hay!