At the moment there seems to be a never ending stream of tractors, trucks, and machinery back and forth as the men rush to get things done while the weather is fine. The cotton is being harvested, and that should finish today. I managed to get some photographs of the machines actually working this year!! The photograph above shows how the cotton is transferred from the bin on the picker to the 'boll buggy'. It's very dusty of course, but thankfully, these days, machinery is fitted with air conditioned cabins - so much better for the operator.
When the boll buggy is full, the driver takes it out to a prepared area where it is again transferred, this time to the module 'builder'. Needless to say, the operation of these monsters requires concentration!! The load is not just tipped in one place - it has to be spread along the length of the module bin.
I hope this photograph will show the large container/bin where the cotton is compressed and made into a large, tight, block of cotton, ready to be loaded onto the trucks to take to the cotton gin. I did show a photograph of a cotton module last year, but I can't find it on my blog at the moment.
I believe the growing season was again not ideal for a 'bumper' crop. There were lots of days early in the life of the crop when we had cloud, fog, light rain, virtually no sun. This led to uneven flowering, and consequently, there are still heaps of unopened pods. The unopened, immature pods are easily visible in this shot.
To bore you a little longer, I've taken a close-up of one of the pods, so you can see how it has just started to split - it's rather attractive isn't it. I think it is such a shame there is cotton in there, but not ready for harvest.
Of course, cotton harvesting isn't the only operation going on at the moment. We've also had an abundance of pasture growth this year, so the men decided to enlist a man to cut and bale as much as possible, in order to save some for the bad times. The shed is full, and now they are starting to make stacks out in the paddock.
I couldn't help but share this not quite so busy lot. I suppose in one way, they are busy - busy sitting around, doing nothing, and putting on weight ready for market [oh dear, I hope they didn't hear me]. I suppose it's a great life while it lasts.
Thank you again to all who continue to make the time to comment on the things I have to share. I value your time, and it's lovely to know people care.
12 comments:
Great seeing the cotton harvest. Remember watching the harvest of cane in QLD when I was sooooo much younger but what got me was the fires in those cane fields. I still remember them.
Linda, the size of the trucks and harvesters etc always amaze me. Thanks so much for sharing a little of this process with us. It is often hard to imagine how things come to be in our shops and homes.
My father-in-law worked int he cotton gin for a while when he and Margaret were working and traveling around Australia.
As usual you have brought us an insight into the life you and your neighbours lead.
Wow, linda, I was not really aware of where you lived. I'm sorry the cotton is a little disappointing, it has been wet this Autumn, hasn't it? Your property is so flat and our bush property is almost a 60 degree angle. Lots of steps! Very different!
Great Pics Linda, gee it is very busy out your way at the moment
Thank you for sharing your pics and telling us how they harvest the cotton.Love the pic of the cotton bud, is there any way I can copy it to my photos on my computer Linda?
The cotton crop has been very poor in America,Pakistan and India due to such heavy rain apparently, at least that is what we are being told here, cotton made products have risen greatly in price.I have a friend who sells evenweave,aida etc here in England and they are having to pay far more.
So interesting to see where you are out in the outback, so peaceful and quiet, very different form city life
I love seeing what goes on in your life Linda. it is always such a wonderful window into the life on the land. (Those machines are huge aren't they?)
the cotton buds do look lovely, but it is a bit sad that they will open too late for your harvest.
You have certainly been busy with your camera Linda, lovely pics of the cotton harvest - we used to enjoy seeing the harvest on our trips to Goondiwindi and Charleville, but those days are long gone. I loved the story of your grand daughter in the previous post, she must have been floating after all that excitement! Cheers
Hello Linda, One never realizes all that goes into cotton. Amazing. Pity about the lost of the pods that have not open. It is nice to peak into your life on the farm. What really busy people you all are. Thanks for sharing all the pics. Hugs Judy
It is always interesting seeing what goes on in the farming community and I believe the cotton in my favourite batting is grown in Qld. Take care.
Today i have seen something that i know nothing about,thank you for sharing. Your machinery makes our tractors look like Tonka toys.Your land is so flat it feels like you are in different country compare to our hills.Even if it wasn't the best season hopefully you will get good price for your cotton.
Interesting post, Linda. I have never seen cotton growing, not in real life, or see it harvested. There are so many things we use and just take for granted.
lovely to see your routines Linda. Sometimes I miss life in the bush!
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