Harvest is underway and Thanksgiving is upon us! I love this time of year. People often say there’s nothing to see on the South Plains. It’s just flat, dry, windy and treeless. Well, they obviously haven’t been here in the fall!  

Nothing warms my heart more than driving past a field of open cotton or a field of grain sorghum flush with crimson red and orange heads. So beautiful. The epitome of fall. And there’s something sentimental about seeing the combines and cotton strippers running at night, backlit by a harvest moon. I can’t picture a fall without it. It’s hard to imagine it often goes unnoticed by those not directly involved. I know. I used to not “see” it.  

Cotton harvest over my back fence in Olton, Texas. (Photo by Shelley E. Huguley)

It’s a privilege in agriculture to have your seasons marked by production. In the spring, we sense the excitement of new beginnings, prepping fields and equipment and planting.  

Summers, though hot, are a steady progression from seed to emergence to maturity. Then, in the fall, it’s as though agriculture shouts of its arrival. What would this world look like without highways lined with cotton, sorghum, corn and various other commodities prepping for harvest? We have so much for which to be thankful. 

What comes to mind when you think about thankfulness? Is it family? Your occupation? Where you live? Your spouse? Your church? Your community? 

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I think about my farmer and my kids. What an exciting season we are in as our oldest two are partially adulting and loving college and our Little is soaking up being an only child. I think about my oldest who just defended her thesis. She will graduate in December with her Master’s, something neither my husband, nor I have ever done. As she presented her research, I was struck by her knowledge but also how amazing it is to see your child go further than you ever did. 

I’m thankful our son gladly comes home when needed to help on the farm. I’m thankful for his help and his attitude. I feel so proud when I watch him drive the combine. It’s such a blessing to see him take ownership and help finish what my farmer started.  

My kids, from left, Breely, HalleeKate and Brennon, on the beach following Farm Press' Peanut Efficiency Award celebration this summer. (Photo by Shelley E. Huguley)

I’m also thankful for my Little. Late pancake parties after home games and sports on Tuesdays and Saturdays. I’m thankful for family prayer time. Time is fleeting. Before we know it, it will just be my farmer and me having prayer nights.   

I’m grateful for my farmer who works hard seven days a week, making countless decisions, contemplating one more way to cut costs and be more efficient on the farm. I’m thankful for how he loves our kids and wants to provide well for us. And I’m incredibly grateful for how he loves and encourages me.  

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And I’m thankful for each of you! Thank you for reading! Thank you for entrusting your story to me. It’s a privilege! Blessings and have a wonderful Thanksgiving!