Hello, All Aboard Wheat Harvest readers! Whether this is your first time to join us, or you’re a seasoned follower, welcome! My name is Laura Haffner, and my husband Ryan and I own High Plains Harvesting. It is a privilege to share with you again this season!
Wow, it’s hard to fathom all the changes that have happened in the world since we last met. Yes, the national and world scene have held plenty of changes, and so has my house. The children are growing at an astronomical rate, and I know it will be just a matter of time before I’m the shortest one in the family. Activities like 4-H, school, church and sports keep our whole family hopping, learning and constantly adapting.
The crew has been extremely busy too. There is always so much prep work to be done before the season begins. Most of it has been completed and it won’t be long before equipment will be loaded and head south.
I wish I could say that everything is going as predicted. However, apparently we drew a questionable 2025 harvest bingo card. So far this year, the “harvest bingo caller” has announced some of the following scenarios, and I’ve stamped my card accordingly.
“Higher input costs!” – Yep.
“Weather uncertainty!” – Check.
“No grain in the head!” – Is this game for real?
“Wheat streak mosaic virus!” – Sigh.
“Poor grain prices!” – Ugh.
“Texas acres lost due to drought!” – What’s with this card???
Woah!! Is it too late to trade bingo cards?
In this business, and agriculture in general, there is so much out of our control. It can be easy to start to feel down, or even fall into the trap of believing that tough this only happen to us or a select few. However, that’s just not the case. Everyone, no matter if people deny it or pretend everything is always great, everyone goes through struggles. In fact, a quick Google search will tell you some staggering, not-so positive statistics regarding the mental health of those in agriculture.
I relay the challenges above not to complain or seek sympathy but to be transparent and remind others they aren’t alone in their farm challenges. May is “Mental Health Awareness Month.” Many great resources can be found here: https://www.fb.org/initiative/farm-state-of-mind. No one needs to fight in alone. By raising awareness, we can support one another to get through both the good times and in bad.
And speaking of good times, even during a tough game, my proverbial caller has announced these as well. I’m thankful I’ve been able to stamp these boxes too.
“Experienced, returning crew members and eager new ones,” – Thanks for being here, team!
“Shared Easter dinner with the crew!” – Wow, what a fun time!
“New crew members passed CDL exam!” – Yes! Way to go guys!
“Attended safety meeting!” – We did that.
“Team members take time to teach kids skills in the shop!” – So grateful.
“Supportive friends and family.” Thank you, thank you.
When I look at the last set of calls, I remember I have much to be thankful for. This business has given my some of my greatest adventures, allowed me to provide educational opportunities and a broader world view for my children, work with some incredible people, provide the opportunity for good, honest work for my team, serve loyal customers, and witness the best sunsets anywhere on this earth.
There are still many more boxes to stamp in this 2025 harvest bingo game. What do you predict will be the next call?
Wheat conditions have been variable across Kansas this spring. This head is a decent size, though.
