July has been a month with many challenges.

A number of fields had to be planted late.

In early July the corn was showing out and the rice was doing well.

Dry conditions later in the month resulting in one Kansas-style dust storm.

It is remarkable to witness the resilience of a field of soybeans in the midst of intense heat.

Some of our friends and neighbors have not done as well due to the COVID Delta Variant.

It is heartbreaking.

A 28-year old husband and father of two from Northeast Arkansas died this week from COVID. He was healthy. His wife posted sharing their tragedy and asking for others to get the vaccine as soon as possible. No politics. Just honest grief and heartfelt desire to make the path better for others.

Farmers depend on science to make the best decisions. Conditions are always changing.

Health care providers are on the front lines trying to mitigate the results of other’s bad decisions about the vaccine.

Like farming, there are always risks. The most significant risk is not showing up. To do nothing.

If you haven’t had the vaccine I respectfully ask that you reconsider.

If not for yourself, then for your family.

If not for your family, then for your friends.

If not for your friends, then for community members including the elderly, co-workers, and children.

If you don’t care about any of these, then please consider taking the vaccine for your health care workers. They deserve our support!

If you don’t trust or believe in the vaccine, then do it as an unselfish gesture for others.

If you have taken a public stand against the vaccine, you may be a bit embarrassed.

Worse things can happen. People are dying. Innocent children without a choice.

The obituary section is growing again. This is not fake news. I don’t want to lose any more of you to this virus.