This morning as I was helping Jim service the combine (which doesn’t include much). A thought came to mind about sharing with you one of our trade secrets. Go to Walmart and spend $10 on a large California duster. This is a miracle work for windows and cleaning out the cab. The best time to clean the windows with this secret tool, though, is at night. If you wait till morning the dirt has stuck to the windows (due to the dew) and it’s harder to wipe off. It’s the best $10 you’ll ever spend…guaranteed!
Today looks like a good day with the possibility of storms this afternoon. We’re in the process of moving to another field.
I’ve heard reports that western Kansas may be cutting next week. Harvest 2012 is certainly going faster than expected!
I’ve included a picture of the elevator in Shattuck. The newer structure on the right holds sand for the oil fields. Here in the south it’s not pronounced “oyl”, it’s pronounced “ole”.
Every morning Jim has to go about 15 miles to get farm fuel for the combine.
As a harvester, we’re only allowed to haul up to 119 gallons of diesel fuel without a hazmat endorsement on the class A CDL. This is a rule that was put into place in 1991 and our national harvester’s Association, U. S. Custom Harvesters, Inc., has been fighting it ever since. The fuel tanks in our current equipment can hold up to 300 gallons. This can be a timely process every morning for all harvesters but especially those with multiple machines. There are currently two bills, one in the House and one in the Senate, that would allow us to haul up to 1000 gallons. There was language written in the current House version of the transportation bill but it was removed at the last minute. I remain hopeful that something will change to allow the harvester and other members of the Ag community to haul the necessary amount of diesel fuel they need in a more timely and efficient manner. Sometimes all we need in DC is a little common sense!
