Crop Check: A Farmer’s Daily Ritual
Sunrise and the Start of Something Bigger
The rooster hasn’t finished his morning call, but I’m already pulling on my boots. A warm cup of coffee in hand, I head out into the Illinois dawn. For me, sunrise signals something more than a new day—it marks the beginning of my most sacred routine: the daily crop check.
This isn’t just a walk through fields. It’s a deep connection with the land, a tradition passed down through generations. Every step honors my family’s legacy, and every inspection holds a promise to protect what we grow.
From Seedling to Strength: Watching Growth Closely
Each stage of growth needs a different kind of care. When soybeans first emerge, they’re delicate and green, needing close monitoring for pests or signs of stress. Every day, I watch them change—the way they stretch in the breeze or deepen in color tells me something new.
As the plants mature, my focus shifts to the pods. Their size, fullness, and shade offer a glimpse of the future harvest. Each pod carries the promise of months of work and the miracle of renewal. It’s a quiet, daily celebration.
Soil: The Silent Storyteller
But I don’t only look at the crops. The soil itself speaks volumes. I examine its moisture, feel its texture, and look for earthworms or insects. Even the smallest change can mean something important.
Is the soil dry and cracked? It might need rain. Is it dense and heavy? It could be time for aeration. These clues guide me. The soil is alive, and understanding it helps me make the best decisions for what grows above it.
Facing Nature’s Moods: The Weather Factor
Illinois weather keeps me on my toes. Some days, the heat dries the ground like clay. Other times, rain pours so hard I worry about flooding. Crop checks help me adjust to every challenge nature throws our way.
In summer, I watch for signs of drought—like curling leaves or dry stalks—and plan irrigation. In spring, hailstorms leave me inspecting damage: broken stems, torn leaves, and dashed hopes.
Still, the land rebounds. New shoots rise where old ones fell. Even winter brings a kind of peace, with snowflakes whispering that rest is near before the cycle begins again.
More Than Just a Job
To some, a crop check might seem routine. But to me, it’s a chance to witness life. A seed becomes food, and that food feeds families. There’s pride in knowing that something on your plate may have started in this very soil—under my watchful care.
Beyond the Fields: Community and Legacy
This daily ritual doesn’t end at the edge of our land. It impacts the community too. When I choose eco-friendly farming methods or sell at a farmers’ market, I’m thinking of the bigger picture.
I reduce my carbon footprint. I protect resources for the next generation. And I help people understand where their food really comes from.
Each crop check becomes part of something larger—a chain of choices that lead to cleaner air, better food, and stronger communities. It’s a responsibility I take seriously.
From Sun Kissed to Moonlit
As the sun dips low, I take one last look at the fields. My boots are dusty, and my back aches. But I feel proud. The crops are thriving, and the soil is strong.
Tomorrow, I’ll do it again. Because crop checks aren’t just part of my schedule—they’re part of my soul.
Beyond My Farm, Around the World
I know I’m not the only one. Farmers across Illinois, the U.S., and the world do the same thing each day. Their rituals are rooted in love, effort, and tradition.
So next time you enjoy corn on the cob or a bowl of pasta, remember: every bite began with a walk in the field. A farmer checked those crops. They whispered promises to the land. And that story lives on in your meal.
