Fall Time

Fall is here! Driving around the countryside you can start to see the corn and beans turning yellow and brown meaning it is almost harvest season. Farmers have been pulling out the combines and choppers to start getting everything ready because before we know it the 2019 harvest will be in full swing. Now if any other farmer’s shop is like ours at home, then at this time they have parts, tools, and everything in between all over the floor along with benches piled high of more things they claim they might need for fall. Farmers always have parts and tools everywhere. They have a toolbox in their trucks, in the garage, the main one in the shop, smaller ones in tractors and combines and even a drawer in the house that contains every odd n end thing needed to fix something in the home or it simply came in via a pants or coat pocket and is sparkly clean after taking a quick soak in the washing machine.

In a toolbox, you can always find your basics that every farmer has such as wrenches, screws, bolts, vise crips, punches, an adjustable crescent wrench along with WD 40, and of course duct tape. While those things are important, let’s talk about the other items also needed in a toolbox to fix things correctly on the farm. Before opening the toolbox on the go, remember to take a deep breath and relax because that box must also contain patience. We live in a very fast-paced world and especially on the farm, somebody needs something really fast but come harvest time it's better to fix something that is broke slowly and precisely so everything turns out smoothly. I would not want to be around that farmer as soon as that same piece breaks again and slows up the harvest for the second time. Next, that toolbox has to hold a lot of passion. This job is not for everyone and sometimes things do not turn out the way we imagined, planned, or even prepared for. Even with setbacks, I know for a fact there is no place my family or I would rather be than on the farm. That toolbox must also hold faith to tackle this job and whatever else gets thrown at you today or tomorrow.

Last but not least, remember you are a role model. Your kids or grandkids are watching and learning also. Be that great example. Take the time for teachable moments and have them help fix what is broken and get dirty too. The best lessons are often taught in the field, not in the classroom. Have a safe harvest, few breakdowns, and a full toolbox ready to fix anything.



~ Kesley Holdgrafer