Buffalo,
Oklahoma,
United States
Monday, June 22, 2009
Tonight Shelley drove east for about 20 minutes to feed one crew and then about an hour and fifteen minutes west to feed the rest of the guys. I went with her on the supper trip tonight as this is about as far west as the combines will travel in Oklahoma. We left the flat plains and travelled through some rolling hills and cattle grazing land before emerging into wheatland again. This time there are six or seven combines in one field and it is really something to see. The fields are terraced to slow run-off and so the combines follow the contour of the land rather than making circuits around the outside of the fields. Both sides of the ridged 'contour' have to be cut on a slant and then the flat area in between will be harvested. The grain moisture is down to 7-8 % - much lower than we would ever see it in eastern Canada - and the dust really flies as the combines move across the field. If there is a breeze it disperses, but tonight it was fairly still and the dust hung in the air. In addition to dust, the farmer a couple of miles down the road decided to burn a stubble field so there is smoke in the air as well. Thank goodness for air conditioners and filters on combine cabs!
After the guys eat, those of us in the Yukon that delivers the food, disperse to ride with one of the workers. It gives Don and I a chance to discuss any e-mails and messages as I am usually asleep when he gets home and not too wide awake when he leaves!
Once again a beautiful evening sky to enjoy!
