VIEWS OF A FARM BOY

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My view for the month: On the previous page we were "SEEING RED" but now it is fall and "BROWN IS BEAUTIFUL." I really love the rural Iowa countryside during the summer months when it is green and beautiful. Then brown suddenly becomes my favorite color as fall arrives and harvest time approaches. It was a challenging year for Iowa farmers with soil moisture shortages in many places and grain prices that left little or no profit margin for many farmers. But there was also a bright spot--harvest yields, in general, were much better than expected. We face many  uncertainties about continued and/or expanded use of ethanol and biodiesel fuels, as well as competition from increased production in foreign countries. But yet there are so many good things happening here in the United States with increased production technology and plant technology. (Just one example--high oleic acid soybeans that have so much potential for human consumption.) Now harvest has been completed and our Iowa farmers will get a little break from much of the physical work, but their time will be occupied as they set up production plans for 2018. I am so thankful for the resilience and determination of Iowa farmers. On a somber note--there are 21 thousand people who will die from starvation and related illnesses throughout the world  right today. Now closing on an optimistic note-- I am so thankful that the Iowa (American) farmer fulfills a commitment to dedicate his/her life to help feed this hungry world.  

JANUARY-2018

You again will obey the Lord and follow all his commands I am giving you today. Then the Lord your God will make you most prosperous in all the work of your hands and in the fruit of your womb, the young of your livestock and the crops of your land. The Lord will again delight in you and make you prosperous, just as he delighted in your fathers. (NIV) (Deuteronomy 30: 8,9)

RETURN TO HOMEPAGE>>>>>>

BROWN IS BEAUTIFUL