Our Rural Roots

Jennifer Campbell, Contributor

Planting has always been part of my world. But, I was often working ground in front of the planter or helping fill it or fetching seed. I knew enough to be useful but not enough to feel fully responsible.

Over time, I watched others make the decisions and paid attention to the details. I learned what mattered and what didn't. It slowly began to stick how "planting" was supposed to run and what to look for when it wasn't quite right.

Then, one spring about 10 years ago, I suddenly realized I had become -- without much ceremony -- in charge of planting all the soybeans on our farm.

Just like that, the Kinze planter and I became like an old married couple. We spent hours together and, sometimes, long days. There were quiet passes and some not so quiet. I learned that planter inside and out -- not just how to run it but how to "know" it. I could hear and feel when something wasn't quite right. I could adjust it, fix it and, yes, even sweet-talk it when it was being stubborn. I knew how it liked the ground, how it handled different planting conditions and what it needed to do the job.

The confidence that planter gave me wasn't borrowed. It was earned.

Recently, we sold my old friend and upgraded to a bulk-fill planter with more capabilities. I am excited about the efficiencies.

Still, I wasn't ready for the lump in my throat as I watched my Kinze planter roll down the drive.

That planter didn't just put beans in the ground. It helped me grow into someone capable, trusted and sure of her place in the field. This "new-to-us planter" will undoubtedly add more experiences. But, I'm never going to forget the planter that built me.

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-- Jennifer (Jent) Campbell writes about agriculture and tends crops and livestock from a seven- generation Indiana family farm. Follow her on social platform X @plowwife. Find her Farm Wife Feeds blog at https://farmwifefeeds.com/…

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