Famers Are Fortunate In the United States

Harvest is in high gear in our area, even though the occasional shower slows us down a bit. For me, and likely most other farmers, harvest is a time of mixed emotions. It can be a rewarding time as you harvest a very good crop. You planned the fertility and herbicide program, took care of all the details and then hoped Mother Nature would cooperate with nice weather. There is something about being in the combine cab and thinking, "I did this"! On the other hand, harvest is a very stressful time. You know the weather can turn against you at any moment. It is a terrible feeling to see your corn or beans buried in snow!

Knowing that the clock is ticking and each day you are closer to the next rain or snow shower, you feel like you want to get as much done each day as possible. That is why breakdowns are so frustrating. However, I was thinking about how lucky we are in the United States that we have equipment dealers that not only sell us equipment but also provide parts and service. My dryer dealer needed to have a crane to fix my wet corn auger. Last evening my dryer burner kept going out. It would always relight, but something was wrong. I called Steve and a service man was there at 7:30 last night!

I think sometimes we take don't appreciate the kind of service that is available in this country. Every farmer surrounds themselves with dealers and business that they need to get their crop harvested. Most times some unusual part that you need can be shipped from anywhere in the United States by the next day. I have talked with some farmers that have visited Brazil and Argentina. Farmers there are pretty much on their own. The closest equipment dealer might be 250 miles away!