The Dirt Get the dirt here on what we are doing, and how we are doing it.

Game On!

May 8, 2013 By lbrakke | Leave a comment

It’s here -  It’s harvest time – GAME ON.

Harvest, like a game only lasts for a certain amount of time. During games, just like harvest there will be interruptions. There will also be many other things to deal with at the farm, not to mention the multiple outside distractions that occur on a daily basis. But, the most important thing that we can do, especially during harvest is to deal with them, and return to our game. We started the game, now we have to finish it. Game On.

Pearsall, TX - Harvest has begun! So far, so good. It’s great to be able to finally get the harvesters in the field. The first few fields weren’t exactly home runs due to the wind and hail damage during the growing season, but the ones coming up have amazing potential.

TXP_Mills1

Not a cloud in the sky should help harvest in Texas go smoothly.

 

Live Oak, FL – They are super busy putting the final touches on harvesters and the wash line. The crop is looking great and the potatoes are bulking nicely. Harvest is right around the corner!

Hawkinsville, GA – The crop is still a little bit behind due to the late planting, but it’s trying to catch up as much as possible. Peanut planting and potato harvest are both in the near future.

These potatoes were planted by Hawkinsville about 85 days ago.

These potatoes were planted by Hawkinsville about 60 days ago.

Arbyrd, MO – The crop is progressing nicely despite fewer Growing Degree Days as compared to last year. They haven’t had to run much irrigation yet. Tubers are about peanut size and we’re excited to see how everything turns out. They are also injecting Nitrogen on corn, planting sorghum and getting ready to plant full season beans as well.

 

These chip potatoes still need some time to bulk up.

These chip potatoes still need some time to bulk up.

Columbia, NC - Daily management of the crop and controlling pests are keeping the team busy in NC. They are also working on the harvesters and grading equipment in the shed. The corn crop also looks good, but they need to keep the wild hogs away.

Charleston, MO – The warm weather has been great with a very aggressive growth rate. They are running irrigation  when needed and spraying herbicide on a few fields. There are no signs of disease pressure at this point, but we’ll keep vigilant with the cool and wet nights expected.

Rhodesdale, MD  – All of the dammer-diking and spraying is completed. Most of the crop is at 50% emergence. We’ve had great weather in Maryland, and the plants are changing rapidly every day.

This potato plant is about 46 Days after Planting in Rhodesdale.

This potato plant is about 46 Days after Planting in Rhodesdale.

Oak Grove, LA – They are still pulling the plastic off of slips, and finally finished up with soybean planting. The farm team participated in Relay for Life last weekend and raised over $2,000!

Winamac, IN – The weather is finally warming up and the crop is progressing very nicely. A few fields have started to emerge. They are even having to irrigate on some of the sandy ground while looking forward to wrapping up planting.

Sturgis, MI – Plants are starting to emerge and the warm weather will accelerate that growth. Still receiving some seed, and applying herbicide.

Grand Forks, ND – There is a lot of travel outside of the Grand Forks office to make sure the farms are ready for harvest, make sure there is enough help at the beginning of harvest, and to ensure our customers know what to expect once we get more harvesters in the fields.

#BrunchWeek – We’re also sponsoring a great social media event this week called Brunch Week. Over 30 bloggers will be talking about brunch, posting recipes and doing giveaways all week. We’re encouraging them to use Red Potatoes in all brunch menus.

Check it out on Better With Reds Facebook Page.

All of the work that has been done this past year has lead up to this, the big game known as harvest. It’s here. Even with the distractions. It only lasts a few weeks on each farm. We get one shot. We’ve done everything we think we could have done to be as successful as possible. Game On!

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Posted in: Harvest, Planting, Quick & Dirty
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The 3 Laws of Motion in Farming

April 24, 2013 By lbrakke | Leave a comment

Sir Isaac Newton

In high school physics (or in this case, a quick Google Search) we learned that the basis of all physics came from Sir Isaac Newton’s three laws of motion. All motion is the direct result of one of these 3 laws.

As a reminder, here they are:

The first law of motion is basically inertia. An object in motion will remain in motion for all time until another force is applied to stop it.

The second law of motion states that the force applied to an object equals the mass of the object times its change in velocity called acceleration.

The third law of motion states that for every force applied there is an equal and opposite force.

Don’t worry – we will not be exploring these laws any further or in more detail. We will also not get into the specifics of how these laws relate to equipment, agronomy or really – anything technical. However, as a farm, we are in constant motion, and each of these laws applies to our business and to the overall farming cycle.

#1: We work and plan so that there is no force applied to stop us. That force could have been hail, it could have been frost, or it still may be rain or flooding or something that we don’t even know about yet. #2: However, with the preparation and planning we’ve done the past few months as well as from what all we have learned over several years of doing this, we plan to apply the second law of motion. Execution of plans will be the force that is applied to our progress, or to the inertia that may have happened – and that execution will be an even greater force to push through or accelerate exactly what we need to do, to complete our job. 3#: After harvest, is when the third law comes to fruition. With all of the work we put in from planning, to planting, to harvest, and everything in between, we’ll receive an equal, if not greater reward.

Here is what is currently in motion:

Pearsall, TX - The weather is great for growing potatoes. Harvest will officially begin next week, so they are busy in the shed with final preparations, getting last minute equipment perfected and preparing for the harvest kick-off meeting.

Live Oak, FL – They have finally been enjoying a few days of good growing conditions between the rain and cool weather. Harvest is right around the corner so they are busy with yield sampling, equipment details and getting tractors in, from other locations.

A chip potato plant, about 75 days after it was planted.

A chip potato plant, about 75 days after planting  in Florida.

Hawkinsville, GA – The crop is in management mode, so making sure all of the irrigation is running properly and scouting is keeping the team busy. They are also getting peanut ground ready for planting peanuts in a few weeks.

Arbyrd, MO – They are putting final touches and dates in the Harvest on Auto-Pilot program to ensure all of the details are ready for harvest. Most of the chip fields have emerged. Sorghum and corn planting is happening as well.

Columbia, NC - They are busy cultivating where it’s dry enough. The first planted potatoes are about 8 inches out of the ground. The corn is also starting out great. Now, they just need some warm growing conditions for all crops.

Charleston, MO – Managing the potato crop with fertilizer and herbicide applications is keeping the crew busy. The new shed is progressing and harvest preparations are underway.

Chip potato variety, about 33 days after it was planted

A chip potato variety, about 33 days after planting in Charleston.

Rhodesdale, MD  – Planting is complete and they are dammer-diking and spraying where they can while keeping an eye on the wind. The first planted potatoes are starting to emerge and the crop looks to be on plan.

Oak Grove, LA – There has been some rain, but they are still able to reomve plastic now that the plants (slips) have sprouts. Eventually they will cut the slips and transplant them to other fields. Soybeans are also being planted around Oak Grove.

Removal of plastic on the sweet potato plants

Removal of plastic on the sweet potato plants.

Winamac, IN – In search for dry ground, they are planting where they can. It’s hard to believe that 2 weeks ago, is was too dry, and now there is possibilities of it being too wet. They’ve also had to adjust and take on a few extra acres to compensate for some of the late snow in the Red River Valley.

Sturgis, MI – They are also planting where it’s dry enough while watching for a flooding river. It’s been cold, but the planted acres should be okay. Now, they’re just waiting for warm, dry days to continue planting.

Grand Forks, ND – Harvest prep is also underway in the office. Schedules are being made so there are people in place at all times to ensure that all farms have the support they need, and that customers get everything that has been promised to them.

Maybe the 3 laws of motion are not completely obvious as it relates to harvest preparation or the entire farming cycle. However, there is motion – and all motion matters. It’s farmers doing what has to be done to keep things in motion, in the right direction, at the right time – with limited or at least controlled friction – waiting for that return.

calvin-on-scientific-law

 

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Posted in: Crop Status, Harvest, Planting
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Wake Up Bunny!

March 28, 2013 By lbrakke | Leave a comment

Someone better remind the Easter Bunny that he has work to do on Sunday. If he looked outside, I’m sure he’d think that he has a few week before he has to worry about his big day. We wouldn’t believe it’s the beginning of spring either if the calendar didn’t remind us. We look outside, and have to remind ourselves what time of year it is as well.

There is still a ton of snow in the north and we’re still watching for frost on a regular basis in the south…I don’t think the Easter Bunny is going to be happy about this. Our crops aren’t exactly thrilled either, however, just like the Easter Bunny – we’ll get done what we need to – kids will get their baskets, and our customers will get their potatoes.

Pearsall, TX - There has finally been some good weather for growing potatoes in Texas. We are still on the lookout for a random morning frost – but so far, we’ve dodged that bullet. If things continue, we should have an excellent crop in Texas this year.

The crop is looking great in Texas.

The crop is looking great in Texas.

Live Oak, FL – The weather here has been anything but pleasant. We’ve had to deal with rain and frost. Hopefully, we’ll be able to take care of the plants with some fertilizer and TLC. Next week, the weather should be back to normal, and we can watch the potatoes grow at a normal rate. They’ll start sampling soon, and getting the harvest on auto-pilot check-list started. The Live Oak team also had a great time teaching Kindergarteners to 3rd graders at a local school about potatoes at their annual Ag Day.

A beautiful field - 56 Days After Planting in Florida.

A beautiful field – 56 Days After Planting in Florida.

Hawkinsville, GA – More weather issues might hold the crop back a little bit in Georgia. Winds and rain, along with cold soils are not ideal for potato growth. The potatoes that are fully emerged are looking great, and we’re planning on a great crop even if it’s a few days behind schedule. All the while, they are working on getting the harvesters set up.

Our main chip variety, Atlantics are a little small for 46 Days After Planting.

Our main chip variety, Atlantics are a little small for 46 Days After Planting.

Arbyrd, MO – PLANTING. Weather has been a challenge in Arbyrd as well for the past few days. Rain has delayed some planting, and even some unseasonal snow has gotten in the way. The main issue for growth is the lack of GDD (Growing Degree Days). We are extremely behind from last year – however we’ll do what we can to help this crop progress. It’s still early in the season. They will also be planting corn shortly.

Putting in variety trials to enhance our table stock offerings in the future.

Putting in variety trials to enhance our table stock offerings in the future is a big part of our Arbyrd production.

Columbia, NC - PLANTING. Winter weather is still hanging around in Columbia. This is keeping the soils cool, so the crop is taking its time sprouting. This shouldn’t be a huge issue as it’s early on. They hope to be done with potato planting by Easter.

Snow flurries while planting in Columbia.

Snow flurries while planting in Columbia.

Charleston, MO – PLANTING. It cooler than normal here as well. The early and middle crop are peeping out of the ground – and they look to be in good shape, just a little bit behind. The cool soil temperatures are keeping the seed in good shape with no signs of decay. We’re hoping that planting will be done by Easter.

Rhodesdale, MD  – PLANTING. It’s been kind of rainy here in Maryland, and it will be cool and wet this week. However, we’ve been able to get a few acres in the ground, but have had to pause and wait for the soil to dry. Our plan is to be back at it after the weekend. The seed, equipment and especially the crew are ready to go.

Oak Grove, LA – The weather hurt us a little bit in Louisiana. We had a hail-storm that came through and ripped up pivots and plastic. So, they are busy in the field fixing equipment, trying to get the beds to dry and replacing plastic.

Winamac, IN – The snow is melting, and the first load of seed is unloaded while the new seed shed is getting its final touches. Most of the planting equipment is in place and ready to go. Hoping to start planting in a few days.

The weather hasn't coroporated in the field, but it did give us a few more days to finish up the new seed shed building.

The weather hasn’t let us in the field, but it did give us a few more days to finish up the new seed shed building.

Sturgis, MI – Most of the snow is gone here as well, but it’s still cold. They are busy getting seed in and shipping equipment out. They will start cutting tomorrow with a possibility of planting early next week.

Grand Forks, ND – Even though the first day of spring was a few days ago, it still seems like winter in North Dakota. There is a lot going on in the office – we’re getting all of our IT systems tweaked and ready for harvest, we’re getting our logistics and trucks ready for harvest (while finishing up hauling seed), we’re getting marketing and locally grown programs ready for harvest, we’re getting people in place for harvest, we’re getting tax information finished up, and in general – we’re just getting ready for harvest.

Easter and the beginning of spring is so exciting – it’s a new beginning. Things are (or should be) turning green and growing in full force. Sometimes it’s not as timely or pretty as we’d like it to be, but we all get up every morning, and we do what we have to do, no matter what. Just like the Easter Bunny will do on Sunday.

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Posted in: Planting, Quick & Dirty
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There is No Repeat Button in Farming

March 6, 2013 By lbrakke | Leave a comment

A Repeat Button

If you’ve done it once, then you should be able to do it again just like last time right? Last season was so much fun throughout our entire farm. Our plan worked great, so we want to do it again. We have the best people on the ground like we did last year, along with some amazing new people. We have excellent customers like we did last year, along with plans to create even more value and increase efficiencies. We have an even better overall plan in place compared to last year that incorporates sustainability, our communities, and long-term success. So, if we just hit the Repeat button, we’ll obviously be successful! Well, sadly for us, there is no Repeat button in farming.

We know that we cannot just do what we did last year and expect the same outcome. Instead, we take what we’ve learned, we take what our and our customers’ exceptions are, and we work toward a common goal. The plans, the dates, the acres, the crops, the people, the equipment, the market conditions – have all changed since last year. So we hit some parts of the Repeat button, but we also press the Control button, or the Shift button. Sometimes we even hit the Delete button – because we can only control so much and shift our plans so much and we can only depend on so much being the same as last year. There is no Repeat button in farming.

We’re planting in a few places, done planting in a few, and others are waiting in the bull-pen for the snow to melt. Planting thus far, hasn’t been exactly smooth sailing, so we’ve had to Shift. The weather, as expected, has made it difficult to just hit the Repeat button – and we’re only a few weeks into it.

Pearsall, TX - With planting complete, they are monitoring the crop closely. There has been some wind damage and even a little frost in some fields. Nothing to really worry about. They are also busy preparing for harvest!

We'd like these to be fuller, but the wind did some damage. Hopefully they'll bounce back.

We’d like these plants to be fuller, but the wind did some damage. Hopefully they’ll bounce back and nothing will be lost.

Live Oak, FL – Planting is complete! They had a pretty nasty cold snap in Live Oak. It was below freezing for about 10 hours. When potatoes are out of the ground, they don’t like that. It won’t do permanent damage, but it will slow parts of the crop up quite a bit. Other than that, they are busy getting the washline, dirt eliminator and hydrosorter ready for harvest.

These got a little frost damage, but with the TLC, they should be just fine. Just a little bit behind schedule.

These got a little frost damage, but with some TLC, they should be fine. Just a little bit behind schedule.

Hawkinsville, GA – PLANTING. They just want the rain to go away so they can finish planting. They did get back in the field, however, it’s been a puzzle to find areas where it’s dry enough and where there is no standing water. The seed is thankfully still holding up. A bedder from Florida will be arriving this week to help get some of the ground work done and so they can get back on schedule.

Columbia, NC - PLANTING. They had a slow start due to rain, and there’s still more rain on the way. They’ll do what the can in the field while they’re still receiving and processing seed.

Oak Grove, LA - It’s raining in Louisiana! However, they’ve been able to get some bedding for seed complete and will be doing that for a week or so.

Rhodesdale, MD - They have the majority of the seed at the farm and it looks to be great quality. The seed cutter just arrived, and the loading dock is set up. Planting will start soon.

Arbyrd, MO – PLANTING. They are also at a slight stand still due to rain. They’ve been doing as much as possible including bedding which is almost done. They are also busy in the shop working on corn planting equipment and getting harvesters ready.

Charleston, MO – PLANTING. First day done, but they’re expecting rain. A few mechanical issues, but shortly they should be back on track and on schedule.

First day of planting in Charleston - a little chilly, but at least they're in the field!

First day of planting in Charleston – a little chilly, but at least they’re in the field!

Winamac, IN - It’s snowing in Indiana. So, the crew is working on the hydrocooler and they just got the planter from Texas that needs a few repairs before they get in the field. The new seed shed is coming along, and will be ready to receive seed when it’s time.

Sturgis, MI – They are busy working on the new seed shed in Michigan and trying to stay out of the snow. The bedder is ready to go, but nothing will happen for another 2 1/2 weeks.

North Dakota – It’s been snowing nonstop, so the crew is busy moving snow and helping out neighbors. While doing that, they are also shipping seed out to the farms.

There is so much snow in Forest River after the storm this week.

There is so much snow in Forest River after the storm this week. Here’s a look at downtown Forest River.

Grand Forks, ND – It’s the calm before the storm in Grand Forks. (Except for the continual blizzard conditions that we’ve been having.) People are taking their vacations, cleaning their offices, organizing files, and getting the details ready for harvest. There’s a feeling that it will be here before we know it. And we couldn’t be more excited! However, we’re not looking for the Fast-Forward button.

We know, we can’t just hit Repeat and it’ll be 2012 all over again. However, as long as we don’t have to hit the Escape button, we’re happy.

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Posted in: Planting, Quick & Dirty
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Playing Ball with Mother Nature

February 20, 2013 By lbrakke | Leave a comment

We have a game plan. We have an offense and a defense. We put on our game face and we’re ready to play ball. However, we never know really what exactly to expect as we play ball with Mother Nature. The ball, more often than not, is in her court – and she can either be our teammate or opponent. Either way – we have no choice but to play ball with her.

Pearsall, TX - With planting complete, the agronomy team is busy scouting for Psyllids – which is typically a problem in this area. So far, populations do not seem to be a problem. The team here will remain very diligent.

A beautiful crop of Atlantics are coming up in Texas.

A beautiful crop of Atlantics are coming up in Texas.

Live Oak, FL – Planting should be wrapped up at the end of the week. There was a freeze early in the week that got a few of our earliest fields, however, with a little TLC, they should bounce back. The rest of the crop is being side dressed, cultivated or pre-emergance herbicide application is taking place.

These Red Potatoes were planted 23 days ago.

These Red Potatoes were planted 23 days ago.

Hawkinsville, GA – They are doing everything they can to keep planting. But, the rain is making it difficult. It’s going slow – very slow, but they are still getting potatoes in the ground.

After planting, they go through and dammer dike all the fields.

After planting, they go through and dammer dike all fields.

Arbyrd, MO – They are about to start planting – the planter was even at the field, but a good shot of rain kept it standing still. Most of the seed is there, and much is cut and ready. Now, we just wait until the weather permits.

Charleston, MO – More rain here in Charleston. Not a huge deal, as they are scheduled to start planting later on. Most of the seed has been received, and they are busy cutting. Planters and bedders are ready go to. The forecast is still wet, so we’re hoping that we’ll be able to get in the field when we’re planning to.

Sturgis, MI – They claim it’s cold and windy in Michigan. It probably is to them. Luckily, they are in the shop getting the seed shed ready, adn working on a new piler for harvest.

North Dakota – Besides digging through the snow, everyone is just trying to stay warm. We are in one of the coldest cold snaps we’ve seen all year long. Even though the weather is frightful, they are loading up seed to ship to Missouri, and getting the new seed cutter ready to be shipped to Sturgis. Just because it’s cold in ND, doesn’t mean everything stops.

This is the actual temperature. It doesn't take into account the wind chill...

This is the actual temperature. It doesn’t take into account the wind chill…Heat wave next week!

Grand Forks, ND – This week, the International Crop Expo is in town. This is a great farm show that has many speakers and meetings that directly relate to the potato industry. Many in our office will be headed over there for different meetings, and to just walk the show and visit with other farmers and industry folks. Our sales team is on the road putting details in place for the upcoming year now that we’re getting potatoes in the ground.

We have the utmost respect for Mother Nature. Not just at harvest, but all year long. What she has planned has a huge impact at the end of the game if we win, lose or even tie.

One thing is for certain – everyday she comes to play ball.

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Posted in: Planting, Quick & Dirty
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OOTO – Out Of The Office

February 13, 2013 By lbrakke | Leave a comment

When someone on our team is gone for a few days, they typically send out an email with the subject: OOTO, which means “Out of The Office”.  It would be great if we could all be in the office or on the farm every day. But, we are on the road and out of the office or off of the farm – a lot. There are multiple reasons why there is always someone driving down the road, in an airport, or it seems just living out of a suitcase. We’re out of the office, or off of the farm for essentially 4 main reasons.

1 – Specialists are needed on location

2 – We never stop learning

3 – We are a team

4 – Vacation. A real vacation.

We have many specialists that work out of the Grand Forks office with the purpose to support the farm teams. Often times, these specialists have to go to the farms to help with specific equipment issues, computers, agronomic planning, research, and other administrative and human resources issues. There are also specialists that are based at a farm, however their area of expertise is also needed at different farm locations. The managers typically live in one farm location, but often times, have management duties that cover several farms. There are also entire farm teams that may have some down time or specific expertise, who will go on the road to another farm during different times of the year or for special projects. This travel allows us to execute our plans and actually provides us certain efficiencies.

Continual learning and education happens by attending conferences and meetings. Most require travel. There is a conference for every topic in every industry which we try our best to support. During the winter months, many people are on the road attending programs that talk about the latest in agronomic practices, upcoming potato varieties, marketing opportunities, agricultural leadership, ag careers, crop specific conferences like Potato Expo, and the list goes on and on. CEO, Gregg Halverson attends APPEX every year (Association of Agriculture Production Executives) “AAPEX is always a highlight of the year for me. There is always a very good mix of speakers at the meeting that tackle many topics from many perspectives. From GMOs to Organics…a worldwide perspective.”

Another, more recent reason for travel is to ensure our company is one team. A program was put into place where people from the Grand Forks team go and spend a week on one of the farms – either during harvest or planting.  “My job on a day to day basis is to make sure our customers are serviced. A major part of servicing our customers is to ensure there are no surprises. The more I understand about what is involved in getting the product from the ground to the store helps with ‘no surprises’ here in the office, on the farm and most importantly, for our customers” said Keith Groven, table stock sales associate, after spending a week in Live Oak, FL where they are planting both table stock and chip potatoes. Clay Pederson, Farm Manager in Live Oak said “it’s great to have some of the HQ team here so they can literally get their hands dirty. It emphasizes that the entire operation is dependent on one another and we really all have to work as a team”.

Keith, who is on the sales team helped out in planting efficiencies, scouting, and prepping the beds for trials.

Keith, who is on the sales team helped out in planting efficiencies, scouting, and prepping the beds for trials.

The last reason we get out of the office or off of the farm is for an actual vacation. A real vacation with no email, no tractors, no voice mail or no conference calls. All work and no play makes…well, you know how it goes. Work/Life balance is so important and spending time with your friends and family – off of the farm and out of the office – makes for better farmers.

It's important to be able to once in a while look out at something that is not a field, not a computer and not snow.

It’s important to be able to once in a while look out at something that is not a field, not a computer and not snow.

Speaking of finding out what’s going on at the farm – we are in the field and growing potatoes!

Here’s the first QUICK & DIRTY of 2013:

Pearsall, TX - As amazing as it sounds, planting is almost complete here in Texas. Only a few acres of chips and reds left. The earliest potatoes are already at about 5 inches. They are diligently monitoring for pests while getting harvest equipment and the wash line ready to go.

The first Altantics planted are all ready out of the ground.

The first Altantics planted are out of the ground.

Live Oak, FL – PLANTING is going steady. All of the seed has been shipped in and cut. Planted fields are also being cultivated and sprayed.

Hawkinsville, GA – PLANTING has been slow due to rain this past week. However, the Atlantics have all been planted and other varieties will be going into the ground as the weather allows. In the shop they are working on the wash line as well as getting ready for peanut harvest.

Arbyrd, MO – The entire Sweet Potato team has traveled into Arbyrd this week developing strategies, talking agronomics and ensuring efficiencies between all locations.

The Sweet Potato team all traveled to Arbyrd this week from Louisiana, Missouri, Washington, North Dakota and Florida

The Sweet Potato team all traveled into Arbyrd this week from Louisiana, Missouri, Washington, North Dakota and Florida

Columbia, NC – Getting the planters ready to go and hopefully will start planting potatoes at the end of next week.

Charleston, MO – All of the sweet potatoes are finally out of storage, so now the shed needs to be cleaned up in order to start receiving and storing seed potatoes.

Rhodesdale, MD – Preparing for the Global GAP Certification Audit as well as getting ready to receive seed.

Winamac, IN – They are fixing equipment as well as shipping out equipment to the other farms. Ground work has begun for the new building. Work on Global GAP Certification and crop planning is also happening.

Brian Kistler and his son Clay took the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics in Indiana on Saturday Feb. 9.2013.

Brian Kistler and his son Clay took the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics in Indiana on Saturday Feb. 9.2013.

Sturgis, MI – The Sturgis team traveled to Mt. Pleasant, MI to the Winter Potato Conference and Variety Day this week.

North Dakota – They are building a new seed cutter, cleaning and shipping out seed – as well as blowing snow.

Grand Forks, ND – Plans are ready to be executed and acres are all being tweaked while customers are being talked to in order to make sure we have the best, the most efficient and the most profitable plan in place for all involved.

It’s not always easy to be out of the office or off of the farm and away from our families – however, it’s necessary. It’s necessary to be efficient, it’s necessary to learn and grow, it’s necessary in order to be united, and, at times, it’s necessary to just get away from it all.

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Posted in: General Black Gold, Quick & Dirty
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Back 2 Back

January 7, 2013 By lbrakke | Leave a comment

We realize that not everyone follows NDSU (gasp). However, for the last 6 months or so, the Bison have been a huge part of our lives – at least our Saturdays. We’ve been fans for as long as we can remember. This season was no exception. The Bison had an amazing 2011 season, and ending up having an equally amazing 2012 season. Back to back National FCS Champions.

Having two amazing seasons in a row is not a fluke. It has taken a lot of hard work, and years to build the team, the coaching staff, the skills and strength to be successful. We talked a little bit about this at the beginning of the football season and the wind down of our farming season here: Farming and Football

Now, the football season is over, and we’re gearing up for a new season. We are also just coming off one of our most successful farming seasons ever. We know this was not a fluke. However, we also know that a farming season like 2012 doesn’t happen very often. The plan that the Bison have had is similar to the plan that we have in order to continue to be successful.

We may not be able to rush the field after harvest - but we do take the opportunity to say job well done.

We may not be able to rush the field after harvest – but we do take the opportunity to say job well done.

Coaches – They are the leadership. The coaches have worked with their players, and our manager team have worked with their teams to ensure they have the tools, the skills, and the strength to execute those game-winning plays and late night loads.

Players – These are the folks on the ground, executing the plays. They are the ones cutting seed, driving the harvester, billing out loads, paying the bills, fixing equipment, scouting fields, and unloading trucks. Each player has a critical part in executing the play. If one player misses their mark, the other team has the advantage. Not only does everyone have a part to play, but their technique and the way they do it, must be perfect.

Other Teams - This is something we have no control over. What will the other team do? How have they changed things up since last year? They have the best running back or quarterback in the nation – how do we control them? Well, we don’t directly play against other teams, but we do have other factors that we can study, we can plan for, and work as smart and as hard as we can to be prepared. However, each year, teams change, and so does the farming environment.

Injuries - There are many things you can do to prevent injuries, but as everyone knows, in football, injuries are bound to happen. And, as everyone knows, in farming, bad weather patterns are bound to happen. Bad weather, like injuries might take you out only for a few days – but it might take you out for the season. Teams have to prepare for that and have bench strength. We like to think of our model is having planned bench strength with redundant supply. We hate injuries, but understand that it’s a part of the game, and we plan for them as much as we can.

Off Season – This is the time where players hone-in their technical skills, learn different strategies, as well as prepare physically – if that means bulking up or rehabbing an injury. This is a time where on the farm, we prepare the land, work with land partners, decide on inputs, maintain equipment, research new technologies, review our strategic plan and make goals for next year. It may not be on or in the field, but it’s where it all starts.

Fans - Why do any of this? We grow what we need to grow to make sure our customers are happy. The better we do on the farm, the happier our customers are. We need support and encouragement from our customers – and that makes us want to be better, more efficient and do our best in every field. We do not want to let them down.  As a fan, we support and encourage the team as much as possible – the fans are the 12th man – that other player who has a huge impact in the outcome of that game. Our customers are our 12th man. They are the ones who make us want to be successful. The Bison did not let the fans down this year, and we will do everything in our power to not let our customers down.

2 years in a row winning a national championship or having a “best year ever”  is not a common thing, but it’s also not impossible. It happens because of planning and execution from a dedicated team with a long term approach and setting goals.

Go Bison. Go Black Gold Farms.

Gregg, Leah, John & Eric. All NDSU grads took a little time to tailgate before the big game in Frisco, TX.

Gregg, Leah, John & Eric. All NDSU grads took a little time to tailgate before the big game in Frisco, TX.

 

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Top 10 of 2012

January 2, 2013 By lbrakke | Leave a comment

Happy 2013!! This past week, you couldn’t watch, read or listen to anything without some sort of a countdown. So, here’s our informal 2012 Black Gold Farms countdown – not voted on by anyone, and completely random – and without Ryan Seacrest. These are just a few things that made 2012 work and a few things that we will continue to work on for 2013.

Do not worry, “Call Me Maybe” is not on this countdown.

10. Training opportunities. The past year, there were several specific training sessions for various functions and teams. Managers had their own training meeting, agronomists had theirs, office assistants spent a few days learning the systems, equipment specialists continue to learn about the latest technologies, as well as a sweet potato training session. Experts were brought in and our team learned valuable tools to help in their specific areas of expertise.

9. Emphasis on Locally Grown. Taking food miles out of the system is a huge component to being sustainable. It decreases our carbon footprint, and it also keeps local economies booming. We had great locally grown programs this year in Texas, Missouri and Arkansas as well as expanded opportunities in the Red River Valley. We’ve had a lot of success and hope to continue to grow, source, and ship locally as much as possible in the future.

8. New Corporate Office in Grand Forks, ND. After years of planning, and desk and office sharing, the Grand Forks team moved into a brand new facility. It’s in the process of getting a Gold LEED certification.


7. Harvest on Auto-Pilot. A new system was put into place that mirrors what pilots have to do before take-off. There are critical components that have to be checked and processes completed in order to have a safe and successful flight. The same can be said with harvest. Things have to be done and checked before the harvester can even go in the ground, and this system allowed the farm teams to be prepared and have everything ready in time.

6. Better With Reds Campaign. We are very excited to launch our first ever retail/consumer campaign in the market. We call it Better With Reds – we want consumers to understand the benefits of red potatoes over other varieties. We have material developed for our customers to encourage red purchases as well as a website, social media outlets and we’ve enlisted the help of a blogger – AFarmGirlsDabbles.

5. Sustainability – Sustainability is not a new concept that we’ve made sure to incorporate in every aspect of business, but it’s one that was front and center once again in every decision we make. We want to ensure that each decision is good for business, good for the environment and good for the community. Sustaining Focus.

4. Syncing of Black Gold. We have really focused on technology in regards to information this year. There are so many ways to measure, store and collect data. However, now we have to use it so we can be sustainable and make the best decisions possible.

3. Customers – At the end of the day, and at the end of the year, we do what we have to do to make sure our customers are taken care of. This year, it included keeping them completely updated on field and crop progress, adding value and providing the kind of service they deserve.

2. People. We like to think that we have a world class team at Black Gold Farms. We’re very excited that this year we’ve had several internal promotions, 8 new people in new positions, and a total of 156 full time folks that have made this year the most successful ever.

1. Giving Back. This initiative has by far been the best and most fulfilling thing that we’ve done all year. Be on the lookout for this initiative getting bigger and better – and hopefully we’re able to Give Back even more!

So, Happy New Year! Planting starts this week!

We can’t wait to see what 2013 has in store!

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Happy Everything

December 20, 2012 By lbrakke | Leave a comment

Christmas, New Years, Mayan Apocalypse, Hanuka, Winter Break, Whatever….It’s the season for celebrating.

It’s the end of 2012, and a time to celebrate whatever it is you want to celebrate however you want to celebrate. It really doesn’t matter. It’s a time to be surrounded by friends and family. Do whatever you do at this time of the year – reflect, relax, give thanks, and prepare for 2013 – while playing on your new iPad and eating cookies.

This past week has been full of programs, graduations, weddings, and every night, we all hugged our kids much tighter than we ever have before. What an unbelievable reminder of why we do what we do.

On the farm, the details are pretty much finalized for all locations. We still have a few sweet potatoes looking for homes, and other commodities that are finishing up harvest. Seed is starting to be shipped down south, and everyone is preparing to receive and get it ready. Planting will be here before we know it. In less than a month actually. Then, we go hard for several months. It’s where the rubber meets the road. We’re ready, and we’re happy!

Wishing you, your family and friends and crops – the happiest everything for the new year.

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We Are Farmers

December 11, 2012 By lbrakke | Leave a comment

Every year, we work hard to put the plans with the proper tools in place to be successful – but most importantly – we must have the farmers in place. We don’t all drive a tractor, or check pivots, or are able to identify Late Blight, or even come home dirty – but we all play an important part of growing a crop and delivering it to our customers – safely, efficiently and consistently. We are all farmers.

Last week, we invited about 150 of the best farmers we know to set the stage for 2013. These farmers all have different functions in their different locations. Even with these individual job duties and skill sets that it takes to be successful, there are several things that all farmers have in common, and these were evident last week.

No matter what role they play on the farm, everyone was involved in all general and breakout sessions during the Annual Planning Conference.

Farmers have a passion for community. A huge source of  passion comes from our families and our communities where we live. This year, we put a bigger emphasis on giving back. We believe keeping programs local is critical to the sustainability of these communities.

Each farm or team participated in different projects throughout the year in their area. We believe that everyone won – however, as voted on by their peers, the Sales & Transportation team was chosen as the team that really had the “essence” of giving back.

The Sales and Transportation team will get to hold on to a traveling trophy as well as receive $1,000 extra to contribute to an orginization of their choosing.

Farmers are friendly. Especially when they have a good year. At this year’s planning conference in Grand Forks, ND, friendships were made and strengthened. Each farm has its own story. Each farmer has his or her own experiences. Farmers may be known to generally stretch the truth, but at the end of the day – they learn from each other and make each other better farmers.

Farmers like to have fun. After long days of learning about the latest technology, potato research programs, crisis management issues, customer relationships and on and on – farmers need to loosen up. We all had a great time with the 2012 Black Gold’n Globes and Spudlympics.

The service team was voted as the group that people would most want to have dinner with during the Black Gold’n Globe awards.

1st place team: May or may not have won the Spudlympics fair and square.

JP McCord (Arbyrd, MO) Jason Weaver (Arbyrd, MO)
Bri Scheving (Grand Forks, ND), Faye Westmorlan (Arbyrd, MO), Vicky West (Arbyrd, MO) all enjoyed the awards night banquet.

Farmers are realistic. Looking back at this past season, we are blessed with a great year. However, we cannot be satisfied with the status quo. We are farmers. We understand that good years don’t happen every year. We understand that farming is like – a Rubix Cube.

Farmers live in a constant puzzle. Eric Halverson, in his opening address explained that our strategic plan is like understanding the steps to solving the complicated puzzle. However, the weather can mix it up when we almost have it solved. Mechanical issues, people issues, market issues, safety concerns – all of these things can mess up your puzzle at a moments notice. So even if we can figure out how to solve it – it won’t stay solved forever – and we’re back to putting it together again based on the steps or the plan that we know to follow.

Farmers want to farm. Now that we’ve caught our breath, and we generally have our Rubix Cube solved for the moment – the first load of seed is being shipped today and is headed to Texas. It’s time to farm. We’re done relishing in 2012, and now we focus on 2013.

That’s just what farmers do, and we are all farmers.

Horizon Award Winners:  Teresa Gray (Office Assistant – Sturgis, MI) & Kevin Waller (Seed Sales Manager – Grand Forks, ND)
This award is given to farmers that have gone above and beyond the call of duty and represent the Black Gold Farms brand every day. Congratulations Teresa & Kevin!

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