The promised photos have been delivered:

I love seeing those pink boots and that Dora lunchbox out with the men.

This picture was taken during the cutting of a test plot. In order to test new varieties of seed, we plant several new types of corn side-by-side. This ensures that they are receiving the same weather, the same fertilizer, and are growing in the same environment. Farmers do this all over the country. It takes extra time to do a test plot – the planter is filled only a bit at a time and then different seed is loaded into it after each pass up and down the field. (A test plot is not an entire field. This test plot was just three passes.)

The same process is followed when it is time to harvest the new varieties of corn. The combine cuts a single pass at a time and augers it into the special cart pictured here, referred to as a ‘weigh wagon.’ It is a grain cart with it’s own scale, so our seed representative can record exactly how much that variety produced. At the end of the year, they will publish all their test plot results in order to help producers select which varieties they want to plant next spring. The weigh wagon then augers the corn into our truck (which will deliver it to the elevator we have sold it to) and the combine cuts the next variety.

Isn’t science grand?

Also, aren’t we cute?

Awwwwww. I heart him so much. I don't get to ride in the combine very often, so it's picture-worthy when I do.

It has been a while since we have had a Fast, Fun Friday Mission! How about today? This week, despite the fact that we are *literally* swamped, I have had two good friends reach out to me to see if we could get together. I couldn’t, but it sure made me feel great. Is there someone you know who is hanging by the skin of their teeth? Give them a call or send them a quick text or email just to say hi and ask how they are. It means a ton! OR, if you have a big change or a happy secret, share it with someone. I was told a happy secret this week and I’ve been on cloud nine for a friend of mine ever since then. Happiness is contagious, let’s spread some.

Email me at closeenoughblog@gmail.com or leave a comment letting us all know that you completed the mission. This message will self-destruct in ten seconds.

Okay, just kidding. Have a fabulous weekend! I also absolve myself of responsibility if you choose to share your happy secret with your friend who can’t keep any single thing to herself. I am an excellent secret keeper, in case you need a volunteer. xo

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