I lived in arid lands most of my adult life; even SE Wyoming qualified as a high desert. Pivot irrigation rigs were a permanent part of the landscape. The sips of water metered out by the rigs was enough to bring the crops in, unless snow pack was low that year and the water source dried up. The lucky farmers in California and elsewhere who use water from aquifers seemed to have a limitless supply.
In North Dakota, where 98% of the land is privately held and farmed, most of the crops rely on rainfall to grow. I marvel at the beautiful fields of sunflowers, wheat, soybeans, and corn. Green and lush. Then in August, just as the crops are on the last lap before harvest, the rain stops. One day, the temperatures soar to 100 degrees, and I hear that the soybeans are water and heat stressed. I drive around looking for birds and observe limp and drooping corn. Dry, crusty leaves form on the bean plants.
Last week came with a bit of rain, and I learned that everyone has a rain gauge, even in town. “The last rain brought 17 hundredths of an inch” every one tells me. That fact brought happiness; the bit of rain may have saved some crops.
Today we have a 30% change of rain, and tonight a 50% chance of rain. For the first time, I am happy to stay inside in late summer. Come on rain, come on. Now I love that dark foreboding sky that is full of crop-sustaining water droplets. I smell water on the cold winds and say silent prayers that it will fall on our crop lands.
Farming is physically difficult work, but nothing brings more stress than the uncontrollable pattern of the weather. That rain may come today but hail could come next week and wipe out the newly refreshed crops. The overhead costs are phenomenal and the harvest never certain. Yet, I see such joy on the faces of those who bring the crop in. Scattered families come together at harvest time and work the combines, share big farm-style meals and pose for photos that will be cherished for generations.
Do you know a farmer? If so, give them a big hug and your thanks. Most of us now thank military folks for their service. It’s time to thank the remaining family farmers for their service and hard work.
