From the Fields: ‘Crops look great’

POSEYVILLE, Ind. — As summer presses onward, From the Fields contributor Mark Seib continues balancing farm and family life.

Between projects at home and on the farm, there’s plenty on the to-do list for Seib, who also serves as Indiana Farm Bureau’s District 9 director.

Q: What’s going on the farm right now?

A: We are wrapping up honey-do lists, taking a few days away from the farm, enjoying the last weeks of sweet corn, finishing mowing roadsides and awaiting opening day of open-dove season — and did I mention those blasted honey-do lists?

Q: Any disease or pest pressures?

A: I have not heard of or seen any pest problems yet. With disease, we have seen a little, but the fungicide we sprayed earlier seems to be sufficient. The fields are beautiful from Indiana to Nebraska. Crops look great.

Q: What are some of the biggest challenges you face on the farm this time of year?

A: This last blast of summer heat makes all of us miserable and sweaty. While marketing goes on all year, there is the realization that there will be no miracle for grain marketing.

We are going to experience very low prices for our grain this fall. The profit margin will be low to nonexistent.

Q: What are some of the things you enjoy doing most on the farm during the summer?

A: Family time always helps us stay connected going into fall harvest — dinner together and preserving our bountiful garden produce.

Our air-conditioned shop keeps us grateful and looking forward to equipment preparation.

Spending time with friends before harvest is a welcome respite since we will have limited time together once harvest gears up.

Q: What’s going on this time of year at Indiana Farm Bureau?

A: We just had our delegate session where 1,000-plus policy recommendations were read and discussed and the delegate body heard what information the state resolution committee has assimilated.

Continued lively discussions culminated until the details were hammered out and final recommendations were voted on.

Those will be forwarded to the national policy development committee for approval of the national delegation at the American Farm Bureau Convention in San Antonio, Texas, in January.

On a county and district level, we are meeting with county presidents in small groups with our state president. Our district core committee is planning a Farm to Table celebration for our November district meeting.

Also, INFB Drainage School is planned for Aug. 28. It is so worthwhile that Posey County Farm Bureau has sent our county drainage board to this event to become informed.

Q: Do you have any market and economy concerns right now?

A: Surplus 2024 crops will make some nail-biting bottom lines. Loaning institutions will be scrutinizing marketing decisions such as statistics that show 1972 wheat prices are the same as 2024 with higher inputs.

A 24-cent loaf of bread 50 years ago soared to $6 with no increase of the wheat price — scary times, indeed.

Q: Living in a rural area, what are some ways you stay connected to other farmers and the community?

A: Nearly every small town in rural America has a “meeting of the minds roundtable” at the local coffee shop. Also known as “liars clubs,” these chats track crop outlooks, prices, gardening phenomenon and harvest start dates.

The county fairs are great places to visit with other friends. Late-summer church socials and festivals bring families together to celebrate harvests, watermelons and fall.

Q: How do you prepare for the transition from summer to fall on the farm?

A: From my wife Sheryl’s perspective, it revolves around bulk shopping to keep her farmers fed, clothed and comfortable.

Trips to Sam’s Club, Costco, groceries and pharmacies to stock up on coffee, sandwich makings, paper goods and snacks. Cookies get baked and frozen. Casseroles are baked and frozen.

There is maintenance on farm vehicles used for transporting, and parts runs go smoothly with oil and filter changes.

We start packing for all weather conditions. We go into “survival” mode with sweatshirts, coveralls, gloves and hats.

We all know days can start in the 70s, peak into the 90s and drop to the 40s — it is Indiana, after all.

Q: Any other thoughts you’d like to share, or other activities going on at the farm?

A: Some of us will plan for a collegiate move in or out. Some will prepare for a new member of the family by birth or marriage. These events can be sad or elating.

Keep in mind that kind words, please and thank you, are nice to hear even if we are busy. Try to remember that you aren’t the only farmer that needs the same parts and services the same time you do. Patience is a virtue.

Also remember that even if the family isn’t in the truck or tractor with you every minute of the day, they still care and have the same goals as you do.

Don’t forget to get enough sleep to function and, above all else, be careful.