Table Talk

There can often be kind of a love/hate that time of year—calm on the outside, And after riding high in the tractor cab all day, I relationship going between the farm fam- but calculating like crazy profits and feel like I’m riding a skateboard to town as I drive ily and the harvest season. losses for the year, and hoping it’s good along in the pickup.

Kind of like what goes on between husnews for the banker and the bottom line. The days start early and are long. But in retrobands and wives during that arduous Eating lunch in the field is a special spect, they go by quickly. It’s kind of exciting for and elbow-deep paper-flying tax prepara- event all its own. A neighbor lady of ours most of the day, but by 8:00 at night I’m usually tion season … even without the profani- told me just this past fall, “Everything ‘over it’ and just want to go home. I might have ties which sometimes find their way to tastes better when it’s eaten in a tractor another two or three hours before that happens, the home office in the process. cab.” I had not thought of it that way though. before; and maybe it’s just a woman’s perspective. It gives me insight as to why young children are always finding their way into the farmer’s nosebag. There’s just something about finding some kind of treasure in there to eat while spending time in the combine cab. The long hours of harvest offset the anticipation of what is always hoped to be the biggest crop yet. Machinery breakdowns at critical times make farmers anxious; but when combine heads swallow up the year’s work, there’s something to be said about the satisfaction which comes from seeing a field comTABLE TALK By Karen Schwaller It’s amazing to watch the landscape change as the harvest goes along. Not just from our fields being done, but from the work all farmers are accomplishing. The fields are bare, you can see for miles, and it creates the canvas for the coming winterscape. All that’s left to come are the cows quietly grazing, round bales dotting the fields, and then the snow. pletely gleaned and moved from the field into storage. There are many perks observed between the first field of the harvest being opened up and the last load of the year going to the bin. Not having to cook supper is another perk for the woman of the house who also gets more fresh air and exercise than normal as she helps with the harvest. In our operation, when it’s time to think about supper for our crew, it’s my job to abandon the grain cart and leave it to someone else while I scamper to Most of all, the harvest is a feeling of being part of something much larger than ourselves … something we could not do if it were left solely to human hands. Perhaps it’s a good thing God’s not ‘over it’ by 8:00

Breathtaking sunsets would have to be among the nearest town to pick up something for everyone. at night, like I am. those perks that only serve to distract a person so much they could forget why they are out there to see it in the first place. More than once I’m sure it was the reason for an S.O.S. call on the radio from I could complain that I always have to be the one to run after supper for everyone; but I don’t do it because those trips to town also afford me a chance to answer Mother Nature’s call like civilized people Karen Schwaller brings “Table Talk” to The Land from her home near Milford, Iowa. She can be reached at kschwaller@evertek.net. v my husband to tell me to get over a row or two do. I need to be careful what I wish for… because I was too close to the combine. It’s the one time of year when I understand why the male of the species finds beauty so distracting. www.TheLandOnline.com Though I can’t say I’ve ever had to tell my husband he was driving too close to me… When you participate in the harvest you get to see the world from a higher vantage point. For us short Pork Producers CEO Preisler retiring people, it’s a glimpse into the world of thinner air and for once, looking down at people … who can also now see our double chins without trying too hard. I always find the irony in it when I’m following the combine in the field, and it appears to move along slowly and methodically. But on the side of the combine are small gears that you can see running fervently — like they’re on a serious mission to keep that combine going. It reminds me of ducks: looking calm above the water, but padding like crazy underneath. I also think it’s how farmers look MANKATO, Minn. — David Preisler, long-time CEO of the Minnesota Pork Producers Association and Minnesota Pork Board, announced his plans to retire from the organization effective June 1, 2022. Preisler notified the Board of his plans at its Board meeting on Dec. 16. His retirement will mark nearly 28 years leading the Pork association and representing the interests of Minnesota’s family pig farmers. “It has been a privilege to work with some of the country’s best livestock farmers here in Minnesota who are not only excellent farmers but outstanding industry leaders at both the state and national levfrom the organization at the right time and in very good hands.” John Anderson, a Stearns County pig farmer and current president of the Minnesota Pork Producers Association, commented, “Dave has provided excellent leadership to Minnesota Pork and has effectively represented the interests of pork producers throughout Minnesota and nationally. Over the years, Dave has helped producers navigate the intricacies of government policy, permitting, sustainability, animal wellbeing, and the importance of consumer outreach and engagement. The pork industry has faced diffiels,” Preisler said. “Minnesota is the second largest cult situations over Dave’s career and his steady state in pork production (value and number of mar- leadership and commitment to Minnesota pig farmket pigs raised) and we are fortunate to have a very ers helped see us through the challenging seasons of strong producer-led organization with knowledge- farming. Minnesota Pork is in a good able and committed Board members, a dedicated place today because of Dave Preisler and we wish staff, and strong relationships across the agricultural him the very best in future years.” community and beyond. It has been an honor to serve Minnesota’s pig farmers who are committed to doing what is right for their animals, their people and communities, and the environment. My career has really been about the people, and I have had the joy of Preisler has committed to assisting Minnesota Pork with the transition to a new leader. The Board intends to conduct a search of potential candidates to replace Preisler over the coming months. working with exceptional staff who also believe in This article was submitted by the Minnesota Pork serving farmers. I really feel like I’m stepping away Producers Association. v