CARLYLE - Farming for the Future had incredible support from farmers and the Carlyle community in getting the durum wheat crop off the field last week.
There was a lot of commotion on Sept. 4, as six combines, three grain carts and seven semis took on the 150 acres east of Precision Ag.
“We are deeply grateful to Trevor and Nickie Doty for their generous donation of 150 acres of land,” said David Lemieux. “Additionally, we are thankful to Shane and Ashley Valentine for the donation of 90 acres of canola.”
This is the second annual harvest for the project, and the team is pleased with the outpouring of help and donations to keep this project running so smoothly.
Lemieux said the success is due in large part to the generosity of those who donate their time, resources and services. Joey Brady of Brady Farms has been the lead farmer, and his tireless dedication has been crucial to the project’s success.
As a small crowd gathered in the field, the combines fired up, preparing for the first rounds.
E. Bourassa and Sons loaned the use of a 9.9 New Holland combine with a 50-foot header, which led the pack of combines.
Mitch Weber and Crew from Weber Farms, Joey Brady and his team from Brady Farms, and Mike Brown with his crew from Iron Creek Farms also donated their time and combines to get this land harvested before rain.
“Precision Ag had been instrumental with planning and providing essential donations throughout the year,” said Lemieux.
It is a team effort to get field work done, and these farmers ensured that with a smooth and efficient operation. Also on site was a tractor on tracks with a disc. At this time of year, fires are much higher in the fields, as combines tend to get hot. The disc is there for safety reasons, in case of a fire.
With the high winds on this day, a fire could get out of hand quickly, and the disc creates a barrier between the fire and the rest of the field or farms that might be close.
These farmers also donated three grain carts and tractors to haul the cargo to the waiting semis.
Ten semis donated by Dunn Transport, Weber Farms, Brady Farms, Iron Creek Farms, Greening Farms, 3J Farms and Blake Slykhuis lined the field as they awaited their durum wheat to be transported to Ceres Global Ag Corp.
Durum wheat is the main ingredient in all pastas and is a needed commodity by many retailers.
High school students had the opportunity to observe and learn firsthand the importance of farming practices, while Rylan Wier from Weir's Catering provided the hard-working farmers a meal in the field.
This year’s durum harvest yielded 12,324 bushels of crops, and the project raised more than $110,000.
The canola planted at Shane and Ashley Valentine’s farm will be harvested in the middle of September, providing the weather remains co-operative.
According to Lemieux, the durum harvest was just completed when rain came in, so the timing was perfect.
“We are already looking ahead and planning for next year’s project,” said Lemieux. “The committee continues to work diligently to build upon this year’s success.”
“Thank you to everyone who contributed and supported this initiative,” said Lemieux. “Your efforts and generosity are making a significant impact on our community and the future of farming.”
