Harvest

For the first time in my life I had the opportunity to investigate, explore and experience a harvest. Two weeks ago I set foot upon a rural family farm operation in west central Minnesota to find out how a corn harvest works. It was nothing short of fascinating for a guy like me who grew up in suburban Minneapolis. I have often wondered how things work, from batteries to thunderstorms or cassette tapes and fax machines... I am amazed at the 'behind the scenes' inner workings that we take for granted. I mean, can we really explain how our voices can travel from one cell phone to another? So, when given the chance to learn about how the combine actually harvests the corn from the stalk, I was all for it.

With that said, please don't expect me to explain it to you. I sat in the cab, I watched the machine violently mow down and chew up the stalks - and I saw it from all angles, too. But I still don't understand, really. It was explained to me in thorough detail and yet, when I sit and ponder it all, I still don't have a clue how all that corn is taken off the cob and collected. But, I did learn some other cool things about corn harvest. I learned what a bushel is. I know what is considered a good yield. I could tell you what the optimal moisture percentage is. I understand how the elevator works and the ins and outs of purchasing. I didn't realize how much math was involved in all of this. I would be doomed - I will just stick to writing sermons and teaching confirmation thank you very much. Yes, hanging out at the farm and asking lots of questions was a day well spent. I tip my hat to the farmers of this world and am grateful for having a little more wisdom into how the food ends up in our cupboards and on our tables every day.

I still have more questions though. Its like I can see the corn going in the combine but by the time it comes out, I still have no idea what just happened. Likewise, it's hard not to think about and discuss the methods of food processing which we're subjected to in the present day. Have you taken any time to read the ingredients on some of this stuff we're putting into our bodies? I consider myself pretty good speaking English but I cannot pronounce half of those words. Ignorance is bliss indeed! Don't get me wrong, I enjoy convenience just as much as the next guy, but it's getting a bit out of hand. From the recent documentaries Super Size Me, Food, Inc and No Impact Man to the books Omnivore's Dilemma and Grub, something is unsettling, if not entirely disturbing, about America's food business. Personally, I have chosen to make much more informed decisions when it comes to what I'm eating and drinking. We are trying our best to buy local and organic whenever possible - but even the label 'organic' is becoming suspicious!

It is both a hope and a goal to someday get all of my food from someone I can shake hands with - both as a way to truly know the where's and how's of food, but also to do my part in treating all of our bodies with care and respect. This is not easy to do on a budget, but worth every effort possible. If nothing else, I think it makes a difference to spend time reading the ingredient labels and knowing what is going into my body. G.I. Joe always told me that "knowing was half the battle." Okay, so 50 percent isn't going to win many battles, but its a good start, right?