When we think of Earth Day we most likely think of planting a tree, or picking up trash, or your city's local clean-up day where you can finally get rid of that old TV or couch. For me, I've been thinking of a couple things, planting literally millions of seeds in a day, and sustainability of our farm.
Planting a Seed - Literally
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My Farmer planting corn this spring
Follow me on Instagram (@PlaggeVal) to see more pictures of #Plant16 |
It's easy to be thinking of "planting a seed" this time of year, as we are busy with our corn planting season and next month will be switching to soybean planting. Every day, as long as fit planting conditions persist, we plant over 10 million corn kernels a day. Our rate of planting for corn is an average of 34,500 kernels per acre (about the size of a football field) and we plant an average of 300 acres a day. We make decisions all year long to make sure that we are
taking care of our land and resources. Conservation is a daily aspect of our farm. We review and analyze the production of our land throughout the year so we can make the best choice for the use of our land. We have acres that are used for corn and soybean production, while others are enrolled in conservation programs like
CRP and the Wetlands programs. We are also continually looking for new practices and technologies to help us better our farm.
Planting a Seed - Figuratively
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A family selfie taken last spring during planting
We haven't fit all of us in a single tractor cab yet this year ;) |
We are a
family farm. Both My Farmer and I are 5th generation farmers and we feel honored to be carrying on our great-great-grandfathers' trades and traditions. We're thankful that the generations before us took care of our land, so we, as the current generation can continue their work and efforts. We also are "planting a seed" with our children, the 6th generation, in hopes that they will want to continue our farm. All three of our kids love being outside and helping in the field especially. Our oldest son, LP, tell us
he wants to be a farmer when he grows up. He loves the idea of farming like Dad and Mom, and of course tractors and pigs are pretty cool aspects of the job too ;) My Farmer and I work everyday to make sure that our farm is not only sustainable for our family, but for future generations too.
What are you doing today to celebrate Earth Day? What does Earth Day make you think about? Remember to
Comment for a Cause!
We are getting started planting corn today. We had rain this week (much needed!)so we have have been waiting for the conditions to be right. And, of course, we had a breakdown right away, so part of my Earth Day meant a trip to pick up parts. Just another day on the County Line!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great way to celebrate! It is hard to believe it's planting time again. We only plant a garden but we have been working on getting that ready too.
ReplyDeletePlanting seeds, and growing a family! Snuggle those babies, Val, the time is so precious! Jan
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