The Tobacco Diaries: Flowers?

The Tobacco Diaries Week 9: Flowers?

It does seem strange to see a flower growing out of the top of a tobacco plant, but before reaching full maturity, they do produce a flower. The flower, however, does need to be removed so that the plant's full energy is going into growing the leaves. We want the plant to grow out, not up. The process of removing the flower is called "topping and oiling". Each flower is broken out of the top of the plant, by hand, and then an oil is dripped where the flower was broken so that it will not grow back again. This is all done by hand. A machine is not capable of performing this task. Every tobacco plant will need to be "topped and oiled" two to three times before cutting to ensure the flower does not grow back and that the leaves on the tobacco plant will reach their full potential. One other problem with the flower is, if we did get a strong storm with heavy winds, the flower acts like a sail and can cause severe damage to the tobacco plant when it bends and breaks in the wind. Below is the most recent picture of the tobacco after being topped and oiled.

Week 9

The picture doesn't do it justice, but the leaves are beginning to turn a very dark green and are getting thick and heavy. The leaves will continue to get bigger and heavier, but the plant is as tall as it will get.

We went from having entirely too much rain to being completely dry, so the irrigation rigs are running full force right now. I jokingly call them my competition,

because I am pretty sure the rigs see more of my husband than I do these days! Oh well, such is the life of a farmer.

God Bless!

Leaders

I have a quote that sits, framed on my desk at home. It says this:

A true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others. He does not set out to be a leader, but becomes one by the quality of his actions and the integrity of his intent. In the end, leaders are much like eagles... they don't flock, you find them one at a time.

I am certain that you could replace the word leader with farmer and the message would hold. I can say this with conviction because not only do I live with a farmer, I also just spent the better part of a week with a group of farmers in Washington D.C. It was the final step of the NCGA DuPont New Leader Program. It was an experience that I will not soon forget. After having met only one time six months ago, our group met in D.C. and greeted one another like long lost friends. We immediately began to bond. Talking and laughing about everything that had happened in the last six months. Family, farming, you name it someone was talking and someone was listening.


We set off on a fast paced mission that took us to farmland in Virginia. There we learned about the issues that they face year to year and also saw beautiful fields of sunflowers that were the perfect back drop for some great pictures. We then travelled to a vineyard, where we learned more about the value of family and determination. The next day, we toured two impressive DuPont structures. One, a museum, that offered a glimpse into the past and the rich history that surrounds the company. I was fascinated by the family stories, and again, the determination that was evident in every detail. The second, a research facility, that housed up and coming innovations for farmers. You could feel the energy from each scientist we met with. Truly excited about the work that was going on. At the end of the day, we met with DuPont leaders and discussed issues relevant to farmers. We were able to mingle with the Executive Vice President of DuPont, the President of DuPont crop protection, the Director of Global Communications, the External Relations Manager, and an expert in the field of Biologicals Nutrition and Health. For these men and women to take the time to talk to our group, showed their dedication to Agriculture and farmers.

The rest of the week was spent in the heart of Washington D.C. at Corn Congress, and at the Capital visiting with our Congressmen. Having the opportunity to sit through several sessions at Corn Congress was an eye opening experience. We were able to see what happens behind the scenes to benefit both farmers and consumers. Our particular visits to Kentucky Congressmen went very well, and I felt encouraged by most of them positively endorsing Agriculture.

The entire week was busy, but productive. A very positive experience. I missed my boys terribly and was overjoyed to see them when we got home, but it is important for them to see us being good leaders and trying to make a difference. They need to learn from us that sometimes you have to leave your home and comfort zone in order to make a change.

In closing, this did not signal the end, but the beginning of a great adventure. Adventures in leadership and the future of Agriculture. I am excited about what is to come. And I am truly grateful to everyone who had a hand in making this first NCGA DuPont New Leader Program a success. I look forward to seeing all of you in the future.

God Bless!

The Cathedral of Saint Matthew. I was blessed to have been able to attend mass here. Saint John Paul II said mass here in 1979 when he visited Washington D.C. 

The Tobacco Diaries Week 7

Week 7: 

This is possibly week 8, to be honest I have lost track of time a little bit. To say that time flies when you have children is an understatement, it takes on it's own speed that is immeasurable to humans! When I was little, my dad warned me of this extraordinary speed but you can't fully appreciate it until you are actually living it. 

Now back to the tobacco. The very last of the tobacco to be set is being plowed as I type. Below is a picture of the plow that is used. 
It is important for weed control as well as to incorporate dry fertilizer. This is long and tedious work. Many hours are spent in the tractor seat!

I tend to not want to focus on anything negative, but I would be remiss if I didn't mention that some of our tobacco has suffered severe damage from too much rain. This tobacco has scalded and basically has suffocated from the excess moisture. 

This speaks of the volatility of a tobacco plant. It does need water to grow and thrive, but too much can devastate a crop. If the growing conditions are hot and dry, adding a little bit of irrigation is the best way for tobacco to get water. 

This is not a complete loss, however, and we are thankful for what we still have.

Week 7

As the pace of life continues to speed up, I try to remember to take time each day for prayer and reflection. So as not to forget the true purpose of this life! 

God Bless!

The Tobacco Diaries Week 6: Never A Dull Moment!

Week 6:  

The last of the tobacco has been set. It was a tricky couple of days juggling wheat harvest and getting the ground ready for tobacco, but as always everything got done.  

It is always satisfying to see a wagon full of empty trays! We will now keep an ever watchful eye to the weather radars, hoping the storm clouds approaching do not carry hail with them. Hail can be devastating to a tobacco crop especially when the leaves are big, and in the most fragile state. As they are becoming in the picture below. 

Week 6

The biggest of the tobacco also needed to be fertilized this week. This was done very slowly in a small sprayer with hoses distributing the Nitrogen (fertilizer) directly to the ground. A sprayer was used because the leaves on the tobacco are big enough that a tractor pulling an applicator through them would damage the leaves. 

                                                

We will celebrate the 4th of July with what the forecasters are calling a cooler than normal beginning of July, and will be thankful for what we have, what we have been given, and what the future will bring. 

God Bless!