Autumn in Kansas
John Schlageck
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Indian summer is without a doubt the best season to live in the Sunflower State.
Temperatures are milder – gone are the sweltering dog days of summer, although for many Kansans this may have been the coolest summer we’ll ever see.
Trees are flashing brilliant golds, reds and silvers. Stormy skies have been replaced by a deep blue backdrop overhead.
Autumn is magical for another reason. While the growing season has come to an end, harvest is moving ahead full throttle.
Like the trees, fields of grain have donned their fall colors. Red, green and silver combines chew their way through the abundant corn, milo and soybeans. Farmers are working long hours, often late into the night to bring the bounty of harvest into storage.
For farmers harvest is everything. Bringing the crops out of the field is the only thing that matters. A half year of time, money and labor has gone into producing these crops. Producers cannot risk leaving the crop standing in the field.
Yes, autumn signals the end of a cycle. Soon the weather will turn cold. Arctic winds will whip down from the north accompanied by sleet, freezing rain and snow. During this period, farmers will dream about spring when they can plant fall crops again.
Kansas farmers are special people. They meet our food, fuel and fiber needs. Thanks to them, we never have to worry about food availability.
The next time you walk into your local supermarket, remember the wheat in your bread comes from someone’s Kansas farm. Milk comes from carefully cared for dairy cows.
Remember, while the butcher performs a service in cutting and packaging the steak or hamburger your family eats, the Kansas rancher cares for and produces the beef. Styrofoam cartons only hold eggs that are laid by hens on farms.
Kansans and other Americans across our land remain the most fortunate people in the world. No other country can claim that so few people feed so many.
Today less than 2 percent of our nation’s population are farmers. They are capable of supplying the other 98 percent with food. They also feed people around the world.
Indian summer won’t be around forever. Try to take a trip into the country soon. As you motor through farm country, notice the fields of corn, milo and soybeans. Take a look at the cattle, hogs and sheep grazing the pastures. Don't forget the Kansas farmer who helps feed you, your family and our hungry world.
• John Schlageck is a leading commentator on agriculture and rural Kansas.