It’s been terribly dry. So dry there is huge talk among farmers of what the growing season might bring.
The talk is also all about what to grow. Corn prices are extremely low–due to many factors, but mostly because there is just too much corn stored —not only here– but in the whole world.
The cost of raising corn is outrageously high …the two don’t really go well together.
Still the urge to farm is there. Alive and well in the hearts of those who love the land and love to see the crops growing.
February is typically a very wet month. Typically. So, with that in mind, and the fact the earth is very dry Terry (and others) have gone out to ‘stir’ up the corn stalks. Breaking them down in the hopes we have lots of moisture very soon. The moisture will soften the chopped up bits and pieces help them dissolve; enriching the soil as they diminish.
This light disking (not a vigorous deep aggressive disking) will also stir up the fodder left over from the cows allowing those wonderful Canada Geese and Sandhill Cranes to find more nourishment when they land on the fields.
(This is grand MEsa to the north of us. Although, we don’t get IRRITATION or drinking water from Grand MEsa, Cedaredge and even Grand Junction, does)
So we prepare and get ready for moisture, if not right here, hopefully in those huge,
(This is a prior photo of the Paonia Mountains to the East of us…up there–somewhere– is the Taylor Park Dam)
magnificent mountains which surround us
(This is a photo from last year of the San Juan MountAin Range…to the west of us)
and for which the irrigation water
(This is an old photo of mine of the Blue Mesa Reservoir where our IRRIGATION water comes out of)
(This is the dam that is the beginning (the head water) of the water which helps fill the Blue Mesa RESERVOIR — thus the water, which comes to us for irrigation AND DRINKING WATER then on down the Colorado River clear to California)
comes from.
(Right behind us to the west and to the southwest of us is the Uncompahgre Plateau–this is a spring photo)
As you can see we are surrounded by mountains all rich is natural resources–which pass on down to town dwellers, people who live in subdivisions, gardeners, farmers, and ranchers. The life blood of everyone and everything —-water.
All the product of melted snow.
Your friend on a western Colorado farm,
Linda
Way to dry here, too. I am hoping for a very wet spring that starts in February. A hope for you guys too! Keep us posted on the conditions…. thinking of those wonderful pintos, awww.
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Terry says he may just be planting pintos and hay this year. COME ON RAIN!
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I think I at least partially understand the urge to far. I can only ope that you will in fact get the rain you need in February. It’s been unusually dry here as well, but at least we are getting a few sprinkles today.
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I’m glad you are getting moisture…makes for ever so much better for all the plants and the Humans!
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Farmers everywhere are saying the same thing. Meanwhile, the people who don’t need it are getting too much.
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I know…sure isn’t a good thing.
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An excellent summation of the weather patterns and the life line for the irrigation water.supply line.
So precious for the farming community.
I hope “Hughie” up above does the right thing for the Colorado farming community.
Cheers
Colin
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Snow in the mountains…lots of feet of it would be so nice anytime soon!
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The urge to farm is difficult to live with now that the land I knew has been overwhelmed by the urban sprawl within the Santa Clara Valley.
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It is always so hard for Terry and I to see housing developments come in on good farm ground. We even see it happening here. 😦
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Praying for much moisture for you in February, Linda!!!
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Thank you…we sure need it!
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What an incredibly beautiful place to live. No wonder you love farming.
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We do…the thing about being out on the land is so true!
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as you know, we had just a lil’ bit o’ snow a week+ back. I suspect you have some remaining on your yard? not much, as you’ve lamented. sigh. if this (pschidt) keeps up, i’ll prob’ly drag the hoses out to water trees ‘n such somewhat soon.
nice panorama of what you view from your house! (haven’t been up to Taylor Res. for many many years !)
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No snow here. Snow in Cedaredge and Montrose, but not here. 😦
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I am keeping my fingers crossed for rain and/or snow, Linda!
Best,
Tanja
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Thank you, Tanja…I appreciate it!
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I love the way you teach us as you story-tell. This post is beautiful. Your corner of the world is stunning. The will to farm has sustained us all. How many people think of that when they lift something at the grocery store? I wonder.
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Not many, I’m sure. I know people who are very intelligent and hold exciting jobs in the city, but will argue with me about where beef comes from. Sad really.
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Hi Linda .. oh I do hope you have some rain, it is vital. January was the hottest month in NZ since record began in 1909 .. given that Feb is usually hotter, it was so surprising. Thankfully we also had some rain.
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I’m so glad you are getting rain. Nothing does good unless there is a cool down with moisture!
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