This year’s Howell Farm cornfield, now freshly planted, was, in reflection, “a grisly piece of ground to work,” according to one farmer.
Over the winter, the field was kept in sod, and come spring the thick grass roots grew deeper and thicker. Plowing began on May 13, and finally finished on May 27. The going was so tough at times that horsepower on the walking plow—usually pulled by two heavy draft horses—was increased to three horsepower. All of our farmers lent a handed, including farmers Ian, Jeremy, Rob and Larry.
On one particular piece of ground that was turning over poorly, Farmer Rob used his ox team to pull a roller, with the intent to pack it down. One observer remarked that it was possible to see daylight under the roller as it bounced and stuttered across the soil.
Discing began on May 27 and continued through May 30. The ground could only be described as lumpy, and the walking was tough for man and beast. Even after two passes with the harrow—with the furrow and against—conditions were still chunky.
On June 3, the roller was again employed, this time pulled by the horses. The chunkiness, though not cured, was reduced.
Finally, yesterday, June 4, it was time to plant the corn. The timing of the planting was just perfect. After a dry spell, a steady rain visited the farm this morning.
Over the winter, the field was kept in sod, and come spring the thick grass roots grew deeper and thicker. Plowing began on May 13, and finally finished on May 27. The going was so tough at times that horsepower on the walking plow—usually pulled by two heavy draft horses—was increased to three horsepower. All of our farmers lent a handed, including farmers Ian, Jeremy, Rob and Larry.
On one particular piece of ground that was turning over poorly, Farmer Rob used his ox team to pull a roller, with the intent to pack it down. One observer remarked that it was possible to see daylight under the roller as it bounced and stuttered across the soil.
Discing began on May 27 and continued through May 30. The ground could only be described as lumpy, and the walking was tough for man and beast. Even after two passes with the harrow—with the furrow and against—conditions were still chunky.
On June 3, the roller was again employed, this time pulled by the horses. The chunkiness, though not cured, was reduced.
Finally, yesterday, June 4, it was time to plant the corn. The timing of the planting was just perfect. After a dry spell, a steady rain visited the farm this morning.
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