Cow Day

@LEAADFarms This video from LEAAD Farms covers various aspects of farming, from managing livestock to preparing for corn harvest and reflecting on the challenges and rewards of small business ownership. Here's a summary of the key activities and insights: • Cow Day Operations (0:07-2:30): The video begins with the farmer conducting "Cow Day," where they move a few remaining calves up for sale. He explains that while he's a row crop farmer, he has experience dealing with livestock and the unpredictability they bring. He notes the good condition of the calves and the current favorable cattle prices. The new secure chute makes the process smoother than the old one. • Farm Maintenance and Preparation (2:55-4:40): After Cow Day, the focus shifts to machinery maintenance for the corn harvest. The farmer's sprayer is taken for its yearly service (2:55), lights are being installed on the tractor for night work (3:25), and adjustments are made to the combine, including checking gearboxes, chains, and tension (3:36). He mentions that a new light is being wired in the shop to allow for night operations (3:46). • Harvesting Corn and Field Challenges (4:51-6:00): The farmer returns to his "happy place" in the combine, explaining why he's harvesting eight rows at a time with a 12-row combine. This is due to a mismatch between his 16-row planter and 12-row head in this specific field. His crew, including Adam, Ethan, and Mauricio, are involved in grain hauling. • Reflections on Small Business and Risk (6:24-10:12): The farmer shares his enjoyment of owning and operating a farm, highlighting the challenges. He emphasizes the importance of doing "small things" that seem insignificant, as they can prevent bigger problems down the line. He also discusses the inherent risks in small business, particularly the balance between focusing on harvest and pursuing new opportunities, and encourages viewers not to be afraid of failing. • Field Preparation and Fire Mitigation (11:12-14:11): He details the process of moving a pivot and disking end rows and pivot tracks to smooth the field for trucks, grain carts, and the combine, preventing tire damage and making harvesting easier. He also strategically keeps the disc in the field for fire mitigation, given the dry fall and crispy corn. He introduces "Doug," a three-wheeled floater with a 1600-gallon tank set up for fire suppression, to be kept in the field. • Corn Quality and Harvest Strategy (14:40-15:20): The farmer explains his focus on harvesting the driest corn first, aiming for 15% moisture. He notes that anything below this moisture content leads to losing yield or profit because water content counts as weight when selling corn. • Daily Routine and Business Philosophy (15:45-16:50): He finds driving tractors alone therapeutic, allowing him to think and focus on his small business. He also reflects on the importance of relationships, peer groups, and continuous learning for personal and business growth. • Combine Maintenance and Final Steps (26:52-30:02): The farmer fuels up and power washes the combine, acknowledging the tough, damp conditions. He also inspects the gearbox fix on row number four, which is working well, and identifies a missing part from the old gearbox. He also notes a low tire on the loader tractor pivot track closer. • Final Harvest Push and Weekend Plans (37:12-38:50): The day ends with the completion of one side of the field. The farmer plans to take Saturday and Sunday off, mentioning a "special surprise" for tomorrow.