I’m writing this about 6:30 on Wednesday morning, and it is still dark outside. The daylight hours are definitely shorter, and we’re headed to December awfully fast.
I saw several deer last week, and several pickup trucks parked at the edge of fields that were being hunted. I don’t see nearly as many deer as I once did a few years ago. It was common to see 20 in our alfalfa field at one time in the evening.
It is the 19th, and lo and behold, I just saw where the news had a report that China had purchased quite a few soybeans. They had agreed to do that, but speculators were afraid they would not buy the real product, but only buy on paper.
Let’s see. last Saturday I went to the FFA alumni association “Backin’ the Blue and Gold” scholarship dinner and benefit auction at Spoon River College, and the food was delicious. FFA members greeted me at the door, held it open, said thank you for coming, and after serving the meal they gathered our plates, etc. after we were finished eating. The silent auction had 44 filled gift baskets for sale displayed on tables, and the live auction had 61 items for sale. I didn’t stay for the auction, but I heard that 4 pies (3 would be your choice to be delivered on the 26th or 27th of November with 1 to be taken home that night) sold for $800! I should have stayed to watch the bidding. Great planned evening, and if you want information about next year’s banquet, go to www.facebook.com/ffaalumni and mark your calendar.
Monday night, Farm Bureau hosted Steve Johnson a retired Iowa State University Extension Farm Management Specialist who spoke at Spoon River College. He delivered a “stay awake” speech about crop insurance changes, forecasts of weather and ‘26 planted acreages, and marketing strategies. His financial management strategies included working capital, cash flow, production costs, living expenses, and market price risks plus a few others.
That night he paced the floor and kept everyone awake as he always does, and he said he didn’t think China would buy this year, but he did believe they would buy...when?? He emphasized having a marketing plan and gave his “recipe” that he uses to sell. It was an interesting meeting as always, and I almost missed it. Wanna know how? I had eaten supper, sat down in my recliner and fell asleep watching the news. Woke up exactly at 7 p.m. and looked at the calendar where I had written his name. I was late, but better late than never.
I guess I have a new nickname. Wesley will be 2 in January, and he is talking quite a bit, so when he tried to say “Grandma Sharon” Erik said it came out sounding like “Grandma Chicken.” When his folks asked him if he said Grandma Chicken they all got the giggles including his older brother.
Signing off for this week. Thanks for reading. Sincerely, Grandma Chicken.
Sharon Chenoweth is a resident and farmer of McDonough County. Her column focuses on rural life and will be featured every other week in the Community News Brief Friday Edition.
