Kristy Misener – Misener Family Harvesters
Our first job cutting wheat is a couple of days away from being ready, so Dan and I took a short drive to Vernon, Texas this afternoon. We saw a lot of wheat but very little being harvested. Only two crews were actually cutting.
We stopped and got cherry limeades for Kent’s crew, then headed out to the field they were cutting. All of them were surprised and grateful, but I think the truck drivers especially so!
As we drove through Altus, we saw a New Holland Harvest Support pickup. I wonder how many people even know who those folks are, or how much they do? Then, I began to think of all the folks who contribute to the production, harvest, transportation and preparation of our food. I would bet we’d all be surprised at the numbers.
Of course, the minute we arrived at the field, Dan was itching to get in the combine cab with Kent. Didn’t take them long to start making rounds! Don’t feel sorry for me…I’m sitting in the pickup. A very pleasant breeze is blowing through the cab. It’s about 85 degrees, I have some coffee in my HarvestHer cup, and a book. I never go anywhere without reading material! I learned that, as a very young bride, if with a farmer/harvester, it’s good to come to the field or on a road trip prepared!!
Kent Braathen and Dan
It’s the same here with Kent’s crew as everywhere, “Mom, can you take the truck drivers back to the last field and to the farmer’s yard to get all the trucks moved to the next field? And then go into Vernon and pick up some supper? Here’s Kent’s credit card. We’ll be fine with whatever you find”. Can do that! It’s what I do best. Guess my book will have to wait til I get back to the field. (When they’ll only have a half hour or 4 more rounds to finish the field – you get the picture!) I really don’t mind. It’s part of my calling!!
1. Be ready to go at the drop of a hat...sometimes without a lunchbox.
2. Has removed the word impossible from her vocabulary!
3. Can hold a baby, take care of a toddler and drive a tractor or combine all at the same time.
4. Must be able to cook for a crew - large or small.
5. Must be able to read minds.
6. Must be able to banter with a parts man until he realizes you DO know what you're talking about.
7. Must be the entertainment director for those rainy days.
8. Be a wife, mom, friend, helper, cook, problem solver, taxi driver or extra crew hand at all times.
9. Can handle the call that makes you react, "You need what? When?" Dropping everything you're doing to make it happen.
10. At the end of the day say, "I really do love this life".