Well, it may not seem that exciting, but for me, it was a big deal. For the last few years, we've been trying to get a decent hay crop out of the Nicholson field; Historically, it's been a pretty significant bust. This year I worked it a little and harrowed it; bought some grain (triticale), borrowed the neighbor's seed drill and went ahead and put it in. We knew it was going to need water and I was confident we'd get it going. But if it wasn't for Tera, I'm not so sure I'd have any hope.
After drilling the seed on Saturday, I dang near gave myself hypothermia in the creek trying to get the pump primed. The foot valve just wasn't holding water. I tried for three hours before heading home, beaten and completely numb. The next day after church, Tera, the kids, Lu-Lu and I went back down to the field and, while the younger kids hid out in the car, Korin, Tera and I gave it a go. Within 15 minutes, and after a simple (but somewhat unorthodox suggestion from Tera) we had the pump up and running. Together we laid out the sprinkler pipe and were in business. It was so nice to see the ground soaking up that water. I am hopeful that this year the field will at least produce something more than weeds.
It's not all daisies and roses, however. I don't think I drilled the seed deep enough; the pipe has seemed overly brittle this year--I have been handling this pipe for the past 6 summers and for some reason this year I've had 5 pipes, split/crack/rupture; and, last night, the pump lost its prime, but ran dry for who knows how long...
One thing's for sure...lacking good equipment and adequate experience has made this farming stuff, tough. But we're gonna keep trying. On Sunday, my wife made me believe that she, at least, has the problem solving skills necessary to working a farm. Hopefully, I can learn from her.
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