May 16 - June 4 (The CRAZIEST 3 weeks EVER!)

The spring of 2011 will go down in Soaring Eagle history as one of the most challenging ever.  Extremely wet conditions kept us out of the fields way too long and once things did dry out, it was crunch time.  To put things in perspective in 2010 we had all our alfalfa planted and the rocks picked in those fields by May 1st.  This year, we did not turn any soil until May 16th, at which time it was critical that we get seed in the ground and as each field dried out, we were in it, often times tilling, picking rocks and planting within hours of each other.

In 20 days time, we accomplished the following:

- 825 acres of corn fields tilled, sprayed, planted and rocks picked

- 125 acres of new seeding alfalfa fields tilled twice, rocks picked and seeded down

- 150 acres of soybean fields tilled twice, sprayed, rocks picked and planted

To add to the challenge, both our corn planter and our grain drill provided problems once we did get out in the fields.  Our corn planter had some precision planting options added to it over the winter months.  One of those components it was determined needed a $30 cable which we ordered and was to be shipped overnight, to allow us to begin planting on the next day.  An error was made, and the shipment did not go out, causing us to wait one more day - very frustrating when we were already 3 weeks behind!!  The grain drill we used this year was purchased over the winter months.  That unit gave us trouble the entire season and we are still working with the dealer on a resolution.

Finally, due to the late nature of our spring work, our existing alfalfa fields were ready for harvest before we were done with spring work.  This becomes especially challenging.  Last week our guys worked 85 hours each trying to get it all done.  Also, machinery becomes awfully short when trying to get so much done all at once.  In fact, we had to borrow my great uncles 1973 Farmall tractor in order to allow us to get our calf barn cleaned out in the middle of all the planting and hay harvesting!  Now that's a oldie but goodie!!