It’s hard to believe summer has ended. My oldest child is back to school, my youngest wants to grow up like her brother so she can go to school too. She’ll be turning three soon. It can’t be!

Fall season is here. We are close to cutting our fall crops, which are corn, soybeans and milo. Where has the first half of the year gone? I’m already planning harvest meals again.

We’ve been busy here, which is normal. Tending to the crops when needed, watching the rain fall and tilling the ground to rid of the weeds that can be bullies to our crops. With the heavy rains in our area this year, they’ve been BIG bullies.

On our farm we have decided to use more tilling to get rid of the weeds. Every farmer around here has the same issue of trying to rid these weeds by using herbicides, only to have them bounce back up. We decided financially and environmentally we needed to change what we’re doing.

Weeds take nutrients, water and light away from the intended crop. Their sole purpose in life is to survive and reproduce. With tilling practices, we have also decided to use more cover crops. These crops help improve soil nutrition and help prevent germination of a new crop of weeds.

We try to do what is best for the land and our crops. Every farm and farmer take different approaches that work the best for their operations. What works for us, may not work for the farmer near you.

Despite the frustrations and struggles on the farm, this is my favorite time of year. Seasons change and so do things on the farm. I love the sound of combines rolling again, smell of food from the State Fair and the feel of cool evening breezes coming through our windows. Bring on fall!

What is your favorite time of year? I would love to hear it.