ACRE UPON ACRE of drying corn and soybean fields unrolled before us as Randy and I headed west 120 miles from Faribault to my hometown for a mournful family gathering, this time to honor my cousin Jeff. He died unexpectedly at the age of 63 only three months after his mother, my Aunt Marilyn.
Here we were again, back at the hilltop Vesta Cemetery, circling around gravestones to hear Scripture, to pray, to sing, to comfort one another, to remember Jeff while a fierce wind blew and the bright sunshine warmed us.
As I stood there, I took in the countryside of this prairie place. I love this land of rich, dark soil. This land from which seeds sprout, grow into plants reaching toward the sun. This is fertile land that holds the promise of a plentiful harvest. Redwood County has, undeniably, some of the best farmland in Minnesota.
All through our 5-hour round trip, Randy and I kept a watchful eye on the crops, noting some nearly ready for harvest, others awaiting ripening. And in one spot north of Sleepy Eye, we came across farmers harvesting soybeans.
We are both farm kids—he a native of Morrison County in central Minnesota. As such, our observation of crops comes from a childhood of living on the land, of working the land (Randy more than me), of watching our farmer fathers work.
On this mid-September road trip, I was, in some ways, transported back in time to the farm. My focus shifted to the impending harvest. Preparation. Grain bins emptied to receive new crops. Combines and grain trucks at the ready.
A sense of anticipation prevails this time of year as farmers prepare to gather in the crops.
But beyond the fields, I noticed, too, the detailed ruralness of place the farther west we traveled. West of Mankato, the agrarian way of life always seems more defined as distances between farm sites grow.
With fewer visual distractions, I see the barns, the grain bins, the occasional cattle grazing.
I see roadside stands stocked with plump pumpkins ushering in autumn.
I see corn leaves curling, drying. I see soybean fields morphing from green to yellow to brown.
Near Morgan, the site of Farm Fest, a yearly Minnesota agricultural celebration, I spot several signs thanking farmers. Likewise in areas along U.S. Highway 14 between Owatonna and Mankato, farm-themed signage billboards the roadway.
There is reason to feel grateful for Minnesota farmers who grow the corn, soybeans and sugar beets I saw on this road trip. They work hard. They invest time, energy and lots of money in producing crops that benefit all of us. I could not do their job; I am risk averse.
In a year like this with current diesel fuel prices at their highest level ever, profit margins will be slimmer, if at all. I cannot imagine the stress farmers feel as they crunch numbers, check prices, budget for expenses, wonder how they will make loan payments or pay for diesel to fuel up farm equipment.
It takes courage to be a farmer. Optimism. Strength, too. Yet, farmers are a resilient bunch. Come next spring, most will be back on the land, seeding another crop in anticipation of another harvest.
© Copyright 2026 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Yes, as a farm kid I, too, wonder about stress and harm, even as I relish the harvest.
The stress has to be awful right now.
Such an industrial scale of farming Audrey, but you help me see the individual farmer’s role. I live in Kent, known as the garden of England, where much smaller fields are filled with orchards, cabbages and onions, and some growing wheat, maize, potatoes and hops. Many raise sheep too, who will shortly be introduced to the rams ,to provide us with delicious spring lamb. There’s also a 120 acre greenhouse a mile from my home, growing tomatoes and salad crops year round. So much hard work and investment allowing me to buy fresh local produce- I’m enjoying the last cherries and plums of the season. I know farmers here were worried about this year’s drought impacting this and next season’s crops. Here’s hoping all farmers great and small have a good harvest and growing weather throughout the coming year.
Thanks for sharing about your farming operations. It’s always interesting to learn how things are done elsewhere. Here we have some small scale growers who grow vegetables for local farmers’ markets. Some also sell beef and lamb from their small farms.
i sorry to hear about your cousin’s death. i’m sure your drive offered a bit of calm and comfort along the way. i worry about the farmers, especially this year, and you’re right, it takes a strong person to be a farmer. heroes to the community and should be taken care of –
Thank you for your sympathies. The 2.5-hour drive offered time for reflection and observation.
❤
Such a beautiful glimpse of the countryside at this turning point of the year.
I like your poetic description, “turning point of the year.”
It is a “turning point” at least here in Latvia. The weather getting harsh but beautiful with all the coloured leaves 🙂
The same is beginning to happen here in southern Minnesota.
I am so sorry to hear of the death of Jeff which prompted this trip. Losing family is so difficult— keeping you all in my prayers.
Thank you, my friend.
My sincere condolences for your cousin Jeff, so young 😦
I love harvest time, especially watching the farmers in the fields, the plume of dust sometimes covering the tractor mesmorizes me. This time of year is just so pretty.
Thank you for your sympathies. And, yes, this time of year…so wonderful in every way.
I’m so sorry to hear about your cousin and aunt, Audrey.
Thank you, Lori. Another aunt, this one on my mom’s side, just died last week. It’s been a lot of loss recently.