The Route to a Loaf of Bread

Thanks to Pat Dailey.

Their modern rig is shown harvesting a portion of the 2008 Hard Red Winter Wheat crop. The Dailey family operation in Montana is near the route traversed by Lewis & Clark

Hard Red Winter Wheat is the largest USA production class; used to produce bread, rolls and all purpose flour.

Harvest follows the selection and purchase of seed months earlier,  the determination of soil nutrition, preparation, the control of pests, plant diseases and weeds. The inputs are budget busters in 2009 including the necessary purchase of diesel fuel.

USA food producers are durable, dedicated citizens. As the CEO’s of family enterprises they underwrite huge risks as a matter of course. In addition to ballooning costs, an uncertain market price outlook, macro economic stresses, they are watchful for weather omens along with work in the hot sun and chilling rain.

Harvest is the moment of truth.