Something out of the ordinary this month, a recap of my latest adventure.
I had fed the cows to keep them happy and to keep them full. I noticed one was missing; it was that ornery bull. He had done this before. I knew where he would be. He liked to snort and paw to the bull on the neighbor’s property. I drove along the tree line but did see him at all. It was only a few moments later that I received the call.
Read MoreWell, the voters have spoken; I’m back for another year. A couple of board members asked if I would continue composing this column if I wasn’t re-elected President. I said I wouldn’t, so here I am. It’s funny how things work out sometimes. Nonetheless, I thoroughly enjoyed leading Montgomery County Farm Bureau last year, and I look forward to the coming year as well. By the way, if you’d like to help with any of our activities, please let us know.
Read MoreFirst and foremost for Montgomery County Farm Bureau members, the annual meeting and banquet is October 1st at 6:30pm at the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church Parish Hall in Cherryvale. Invitations have been previously mailed to all members. Furthermore, we are sponsoring a silent auction to help offset some recent medical costs for Darren Felts. We have received some very nice items from generous contributors all around the county. If you are unable to attend the meeting, or are not a member but would like to donate, send a check to our office at 217 W. Myrtle, Independence, Kansas 67301. Please try to have funds to us by October 10, and write “Darren Felts” in the memo line.
Read MoreOpening day of dove season, Labor Day weekend, kids are back in school, State Fair, and football season is here again! That means days are getting shorter, temperatures will start dropping and combines will begin rolling in the corn fields - just as soon as they dry out some. What a growing season it’s been thus far! At least there’s no current forage shortage for cattle grazing in lush pastures, and we’re not hauling water. This is usually the time of year we pray for rains to kick the fescue back into production. I just pray the water gap fence stays put with each rain.
Read MoreIt has started with a bang here along the Sycamore Urban Boundary. I was rudely awakened by the thunder and lightning around 2am this morning. It was concerning enough that I got up to check the local radar, and it indicated we were on the extreme west edge of the meteorological activities. And the leading edge winds; I wouldn’t be surprised if there isn’t some corn leaning southward now. I’m sure there is tree damage between here and Joplin.
Read MoreOfficial rainfall total for Independence in June was 8.62 inches, with the average being 6.34. I know for a fact other areas of Montgomery County received more. I’ve repaired the water gap fence in the creek more this year than probably the previous four years combined. Nonetheless, my cattle have fresh running water, as well as a full pond. The grass is thick, and so are the mosquitoes. And the humidity, oh my.
Read MoreBut first, a little May recap. According to the National Weather Service, Independence received 16.67 inches of rain. I’m sure there are some isolated areas that received more. That represents one-fourth to one-third of our average annual rainfall. May is typically the month we receive the most rain, with an average of 6.5 inches. We sure blew that average out of the water. (too soon?)
Read More
