10 September Observations
A rarity to see a dove sitting on eggs the 7th of September. I'm sure it will be very difficult to hatch with the cold weather ahead.
Agriculture & HuntingFor most of us, we are observing the most dynamic period in agriculture than many can remember or had experienced. While comparable to the amount of turbulence back in the 1980 's farm decline through loan defaults resulting from low farm income and increasing inflation the hunting connection is inverse. During that 80's period hunting quality improved through lands going fallow. The current dynamic looks to be far less likely to enhance future hunt quality. With rising grain prices and an expectation of continued price increases more acreage will likely go to row grain crops.
"...Last week at the Kansas City Board of Trade, wheat for December delivery hit yet another record high. Corn prices are soaring. So are prices for cattle...Demand for corn is high, in part, because of the ethanol boom. With more acreage going to corn, there’s less acreage for wheat or soybeans, and that constrains supplies of those crops and helps keep prices up...." Temporary program now seems permanent, by E. Thomas McClanahan, September 8, 2007, The Kansas City Star.
Wetlands WorkWhile we may be highlighting any one specific wetlands in these updates that by itself does not mean that wetlands is likely to produce more ducks than any others. These updates reflect just the latest work being done as each wetlands in turn does receive summer maintenance and all as required.
The photo above was taken in June after our first failed planting. When the flood water receded we re-planted this pool by hand since it was too muddy for even a four wheeler. At the time it seemed like a shot in the dark, but conditions worked in our favor to establish a good stand of millet to feed the ducks this fall. Henry C blind #4.
Another photo taken from the same wetland of a pot hole that was planted to millet. We have the gate open to take water on the first opportunity possible, but it looks like it will be after teal season.
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