I remember Dad driving up and down the field for hours and hours. He was out in the weather the whole time, and we brought him meals. The “V” bottomed orange wagons along the fence rows held whole ears of yellow corn that would be stored in long shed-like buildings with metal mesh-like walls for the air to flow through and dry the corn. Older cribs had wide spaced wooden slats for walls. A happy sight at the end of October to us was a long narrow crib full of corn, glowing orange with the sunset.
The corn would be sold later on when it was dry and the price was right. The long lines of wagons waiting at the elevator next to the railroad tracks were an exciting event in a small town.
And I was ready to see the ears of corn go because that would mean my long narrow cement roller skating rink in the empty crib was free again.
A few years ago, I was fortunate to be able to hitch a ride on the corn harvester that belonged to two of our neighbors, Mike and Gary Shank. When I see the farmers working in the fields I remember that afternoon.
The modern harvester, I learned, is a picker, sheller, and wagon all in one. I guess that explains why it is so huge.
Climbing up the ladder to the glass enclosed cab was kind of like climbing into the cockpit of a helicopter. With Mike at the controls, we cruised around the field. It seemed like we were hovering over the field. I was surprised by the maneuverability, the speed, and the quiet. A fascinating bank of controls and computer monitors tracked moisture content and bushels per acre and more. The cab was climate controlled, comfortable and quiet.
My Dad would have loved not having to wear a bandana over his face to breathe and ear plugs to protect his hearing.
When modern harvesters work at night, I think they look like UFOs. The cluster of bright lights glides smoothly and quickly back and forth, stopping only to unload into an even bigger wagon or a large truck to transport the grain. I love seeing the lights in the fields at night.
In the modern world the shelled corn is usually stored and dried in the huge cylinder-shaped shiny metal buildings that have replaced the corn cribs. Sometimes it is transported by large trucks to elevators right away.
If the situation presents itself, I wholeheartedly recommend that you take the time to watch one of those monstrous machines as it harvests corn at a run. It truly is a modern marvel.
And while we are in the midst of this corn and bean harvesting time, do keep an eye out on the road for the slow moving harvesters, wagons, or trucks.
I know it is frustrating to get behind a slow farm vehicle, but it is also frustrating to the farmer to hear a horn honking when he cannot do anything about it. Please be patient for a few minutes and enjoy the scenery. You can always take the next turn and change your route.
If the farmer does find a way to pull to the side enough to let you pass, remember to wave a quick thank you. After all, one neighborly act deserves another.
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