We are going to put in some 5,000 gallon black plastic tanks for the rainwater recovery system.
Our normal annual rainfall is about 25 inches. We had a 5 year drought that was very unusual. Only previous example that we know of began in 1895 and lasted until 1898 (my family was here then & it’s an oral tradition that was always remembered.)
2 years ago the drought broke and we had a very wet year and a cold winter. The year the drought broke, it was almost impossible to get crops in at the appropriate time. Coupled with very long stretches of extremely cold an wet lead to a crop failure this year. Poor stand and weeds overtook us in spite of spraying for them.
Things are more normal this year. We are still trying to prep the ground for winter wheat. About 1/3 done, but we are not hurrying, there is huge crop of army worms affecting those who have already planted. That will not subside until cold weather. It is near. (wheat market collapsed at harvest this year, $2.75 per bushel at local elevator. headshake)
Normally we try to plant wheat after November 10th. That is dependent on weather conditions. It is OK to plant up until mid December. Actually even later, but it is discouraged by the crop insurance people. We have even planted as late as early January and made a good crop. That is not predictable.
Wife and I are moving back to the farm as soon as we finish the remodel of the home there (was completed in 1948). It is 4 miles from where we live now. Big undertaking, kitchen & 2 baths to redo, turning one of the dens into a 3rd bedroom. We have installed new Heating & Air unit. It is in place but the LP gas is not yet installed. Big Winter project.
Sounds like good progress back to the farm. We have to plant winter wheat here after the first frost. Usually around Oct. 15. However, we have not had one yet this year, hence the cover crop will be rye and/or hairy vetch.