Rural Route 2: Step Back, See More

Rural Route 2: Step Back, See More

By Bethany Baratta, bbaratta@iasoybeans.com

Suspended somewhere between the clouds and the chaos, my son and I opted for the bird's-eye view of the Iowa State Fair.

Below us, winding lines snaked toward the newest on-a-stick food offerings and the carnival thrill rides.

In front of us, feet dangling from other sky glider passengers seeking the same reprieve from the fair. We had been traversing the fair, bouncing between barns, buildings and the Big Boar, and our legs had grown weary.

This reset gave us another perspective of our beloved state fair. Above the noise, we spotted the biodiesel-powered trams carting passengers from one stop to another. Ball caps dotted the scene; we could have made an I Spy game out of the various colors and sights below.

The sky glider reminded me that stepping back — or up — brings clarity. From above, we could see where we were — and how far we'd come.

Soon, you'll have the opportunity to do the same. From planning to planting and harvest, you've spent the majority of the year 'in the row' — focused on developing this year's crop.

After 'ground-truthing' the planting and management decisions you've made for your crops this year, you'll get to see the bigger picture. Was your seeding population the right fit? Did that decision to plant early pan out? You've done your part; Mother Nature was another variable beyond your control. After harvest, when the equipment is put away and every bean and kernel has a home, you’ll see your crops from a different view.