It's finally here for some of us and coming quickly for others. It's Harvest Time - the three months for which we - corn, other grains, and cotton producers - prepare all year long.

The crop year actually starts in the winter with repairing and preparing equipment for the busy spring ahead. We also use those cold, wet, winter days to go to meetings or conferences to learn better methods of growing our crops.

Slowly, about February, the ground starts to dry, and we become anxious to being working the land. We start by making land improvements like repairing drainage ditches, leveling land, and preparing seed beds.

In April, the planters start rolling. We place the seeds at just the right depth and supply them with nutrients it takes to grow and produce. We pray for good weather and wait for the first seedling to pop up through the ground. Farmers have faith that the Lord will take care of things. We don't just plant a few seeds and wait for them to come up and then plant a few more. Most of the time, the entire crop is planted before the first plants have emerged.

Summer time comes and we watch the crops develop into their different stages. This time is spent tending to the crops every need. We scout for weeds, insects, and disease and rid the field of them if any are found. We apply nutrients when there are deficiencies. We pray that the hot summer days are not too hot, too wet, or too dry and that our crops can grow and mature.

Summertime also allows us to spend time with our families going to little league ball games or maybe even a trip to the beach!

As August approaches, we have the harvesting equipment ready and are geared up for a big crop and a busy harvest season. That day has come. Harvest time is here!