May 31, 2010

View of the day-Our Dr. makes house calls...Dr. Ray, Ph.D.(ProHarvest Doctor)

Al was at the elevator first thing this morning to dump last nights load while Marilyn got organized to get to the field. We took a quick run into Frederick to get some much needed drinking water for the camper.

Once we got back to Davidson, Al headed out to the field with Marilyn following in the pickup. Marilyn fueled up the tractor and combine while Al got the cart spotted out by the standing wheat and by then, it was time to crank up. The straw was a bit tough to start and because of the power issues we had been having yesterday, we called ProHarvest and Ray told us he would be out later in the afternoon...that meant time ton shut up and drive.

Ray showed up and rode around with Marilyn in the combine to see how things were running...not unlike that first checkup a new baby gets...and this baby chose now to run like a top. Isn't that always the way? It seemed like the tough straw and high yield might have been the problem...that wasn't an official diagnosis, but seemed logical. Today it was around 95 again and we had some wind so it was going through like butter. Ray put a gauge on to check the fuel pressure, but that was normal. So once again...shut up and drive...but pay attention if it starts dragging down again and Dr. Ray was off to see another patient.

We finished the field we were on and moved across the road to the next piece. The first field yielded about 44 bu/ac and this one was promising to be even better...close to 60 bu/ac. Even with the higher yield it was still going through the combine without any issues...maybe it was the straw.

Al was kept hopping hauling grain and before he hauled the last load into Davidson, he made a fuel run for the combine. Once he got back to the field he filled the truck for the last time and headed for town, while Marilyn fueled the combine before quitting for the night. This combine holds about 225 gallons and since our slip tank is only 95 gallons it always means an extra trip in at some point of the day to make sure there is enough for the next day.

The guys at the elevator actually stayed open for Al...he was the only one left hauling in the area...they were there until 11:15...that's pm! And for only one guy...don't see that much at home now, do we?

Incidentally, it was a 104 acre day for us...not bad for starting at the crack of noon and stopping for a fix.

There's lightning in the west, wonder what that will bring...