The Bittersweet End of Harvest
As the season winds down, our thoughts are already shifting toward the next year. For my family, harvest runs from late March through November, sometimes stretching into December. It is a long rhythm that shapes nearly every aspect of our lives on the farm.
The Rhythm of the Seasons
The cycle starts in late March when, if the weather cooperates, we begin chopping small grains. By May, hay harvest is underway, and June brings the planting of corn. When September arrives, life outside the farm fades away as we focus on the annual feeder steer sale and the corn harvest. For nine months, we are fueled by sheer adrenaline, living and breathing the work that sustains us.
“Everything revolves around harvest.”
The Calm After the Rush
When the harvest finally ends, the first few days feel like pure bliss. The adrenaline subsides, and the entire farm seems to exhale. We take a brief moment to tidy up around the home place before turning to winter maintenance tasks. The cycle of care continues, just at a slower, steadier pace.
Preparing for Winter
- Inspecting and cleaning every piece of equipment.
- Using a leaf blower to remove dirt and hay dust.
- Greasing parts, oiling chains, and noting needed repairs.
- Checking antifreeze levels and replacing filters.
- Making sure everything will withstand the winter cold.
Once the equipment is ready and the sense of “end” begins to fade, we look around the farm and reflect on how the year unfolded—the challenges, the moments of laughter, and the quiet satisfaction of another season completed.
Author’s summary: A farmer reflects on the exhausting yet rewarding harvest season, the transition into winter maintenance, and the quiet gratitude that follows the year’s end.