Part Runs

One of the many joys that come with farming is the beloved parts run. It’s harvest season, so equipment is being used all the time and needs to run smoothly. There are many chances for things to go wrong, which leaves many chances for me having to go and get parts. Most people hate a parts run. It costs money, it takes time, and it is unplanned. I however thoroughly enjoy them. It’s usually not my fault that it broke, so that probably helps a bunch. Being the farmer's daughter, you are always the designated gate opener, but if you are above the age of 16 you are also the designated parts run girl. I love to drive and I love to meet new people. The parts counter guys and gals are my unsung heroes.

Rule number one of being the person that does the parts run, always keep your cellphone on. The farmer will call you whenever, even while you’re in school. They expect you to drop everything and go get it because usually, they need the part “right now!” If you don’t answer your phone they will just continue to panic call you over and over until you actually answer or finally call them back.

Another thing about parts runs, sometimes the farmer is in a hurry, so they don’t fully explain the piece you are getting or how big it is. They just say head there, grab the parts, and hurry home with a look that means no stopping for ice cream along the way. Short, sweet and to the point, no stopping for snacks. However, it is very important to know just how big the parts are that you are getting. I have learned from experience. Once I showed up with the car to get parts and I was to bring home a big pallet full of parts. Long story short, it definitely didn’t fit. Good thing I did have a good cutting knife. I slashed the boxes open, threw in the parts quickly by hand, and left the fork truck driver with a big pile of packaging trash.

This harvest it seems I have been on quite a few parts runs. Thank goodness for school because with that excuse I get out of some of them! A few weeks ago my little brother and grandpa had to go get parts. This was a big part day. They took the livestock trailer to hold all of the parts. I told dad that’s like a double cart day at the grocery store when we are completely out of food. That’s a lot of parts! I’m very glad I got out of that parts run. Luke would’ve been critiquing my trailer hauling skills the whole way and I am pretty sure it wouldn’t fit through the drive-thru. Sorry Dad, but we ALWAYS stop for ice cream and hide the evidence!

~ Kesley Holdgrafer