As Independence Day approaches, we think of our forefathers and the battles they fought to create this great nation and those wars that came after to keep it whole and free. Without the sacrifices of the men and women who built the United States and the continued sacrifices of those who serve today, we wouldn’t be able to enjoy the freedoms we have. While we celebrate the day with our friends and families with barbecues and parades and fireworks, don’t forget it was brave people leaving their homes and farms to answer the call.
In the Klamath Basin, the Fourth of July also has us turning our heads to the potato fields to see if the rows have grown in. Aside from celebrating freedom, this day also represents a good way to mark how well the potatoes are doing. As John explains it, “We just had the summer solstice, and since we’re going to get less sun here on out, it’s important to see where the fields are at and what we need to do.”
So, how are the potato fields doing?
Out at the Running Y, the rows haven’t closed yet. Under the blue skies and eagles and pelicans riding the thermals, the potatoes and fields look beautiful, and some are getting close, but they rows are still open. We had a nice, wet winter and have received plenty of sun. But when the late spring showers came through the Basin, the little valley this farm sits in was all but missed by the rain. While Malin, Merrill and other areas around Klamath County received over an inch of rain, the Running Y received only a tenth of an inch. Though this isn’t ideal, there’s still time to for the potato plants to reach their full potential before harvest.
Turning an eye to our fields around Malin, you can tell the difference. The plants are tall and strong, and as you can see, the rows are closing in and able to hide small children! The sun, rich soil and spring showers have helped these plants grow to their full potential, plus these fields were planted almost a month earlier than the potato fields at the Running Y. While there’s still a ways to go before harvest and anything can happen, we’re pleased with how well these potato fields are coming along.
Before we wrap up this post, we’d like to wish the families of our Gold Dust and Walker Brothers teams a very happy and safe Independence Day. We hope everyone here has a bit of fun checking out the fun events around the Klamath Basin, and to those outside the area, Happy Fourth of July!
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