Racing the Storm: September’s Rice Harvest and Soybean Insights

September Sunset before the Rice Harvest

With hurricane Francine headed our way, the rice harvest was a race to beat the weather this month.

Francine delivered over four inches of rain in the first 24 hours at the farm, with more falling slower the next couple of days. With gusting winds above 35 miles an hour, Mother Nature blew mature rice down in the fields that were yet to be harvested.

Growing food capable of feeding the world is an honor and a gamble. The stress on farmers is well documented.

Most people don’t understand what it takes to plant, grow, harvest, and deliver food to the table.

Never participated in a harvest?

Here’s your chance!

Hop into the Combine with Andy for an Up-Close Look at Soybean Harvesting in Action!

This LIVE Virtual Farm Trip is hosted by GrowNextGen, the educational initiative of the Ohio Soybean Council, in cooperation with educationprojects.org, a team of educators that writes curriculum and manages education programs connecting the workplace to the classroom.

This Virtual Field Trip is excellent for a 7th – 12th grade classroom, or for anyone who wants to experience a soybean harvest.

Exploring the Future of Soy: Collaboration and Innovation with Mid-South Partners

I traveled to Hayti, Missouri this month to meet with the Mid-South Soybean Board and provide an update on our soy food research.

We have learned a lot in a rapidly evolving marketplace.

University of Arkansas, Division of Agriculture-Extension and University of Missouri-Extension Soy Chef partners joined us to share information, taste soy food samples we are working with, and discuss the future of the whole soy food market.

As farmers, it is critical that we understand consumer motivations spurring growth of the plant-based food market. New regional market opportunities are possible in the years to come.

So grateful for the many players that support American agriculture and make harvest possible every year.

Hope you enjoy the September view from the field as much as I do.

~Karen

The calm before the storm. Pre-harvest sunset.

Up early! The combines are ready to roll.

The tractpr and grain buggy stand by to haul harvested soybeans to the next stop.