This gorgeous green field is loaded with soybeans, which are very plentiful in and around Mathews, Gloucester and Middlesex from summer through early fall.
According to that handy dandy publication which is found on everyone's coffee table, The 1962 Mathews County Soil Survey, soybeans "are replacing a substantial part of the acreage formerly used for corn, and in 1954 a total of 3,115 acres was used in soybeans."
According to the visitmathews.com site, "Agriculture...remains an important part of our economy. There are 61 farms in the county of an average size of 101 acres. The principal crops are corn, wheat and soybeans."
This doesn't tell us how many acres of soybeans are currently grown, but a completely inaccurate, non-factually-based, unscientific, and mathematically-averse Chesapeake Bay Woman Guesstimate is as follows and I quote: "There appear to be many acres of soybeans around here, and they are very pretty."
No, Chesapeake Bay Woman is not a second grader, she just plays one on the internet.
Continuing on with the fact-based portion of this post...
The Mathews Soil Survey goes on to say that, "In general, farmers in the county are not using high rates of fertilization. It is thought, however, that crop yields can be economically increased if farmers use improved practices, as follows:
A 3-year cropping system is used: First year, corn (a small grain is seeded in the fall); second year, small grain and tall fescue; third year, soybeans followed by a winter cover crop. "
My grandfather, the commercial daffodil grower, leased some of his land to farmers who grew corn and soybeans on a rotating cycle. Growing up I never paid any attention whatsoever to these crops; in fact they were rather boring to me and I couldn't figure out what in the heck a soybean was. Nobody ate soybeans. No one ever explained what they were used for, so I was rather suspicious.....until later in life when I had a Boca Burger....
Now driving by a huge soybean field like the one above makes me want to dive headfirst into that gorgeous sea of green and swim for hours. As fall approaches, however, the beans turn a crispy brown before being harvested, leaving a dusty, very dull colored field which looks nothing like the one above.
In conclusion, I love summer, soybeans and green. I hate winter, drab fields and crispy brown vegetation.
The End.
Love,
Looking Forward to Third Grade
18 comments:
The grass (soybeans) is definitely greener over there. WE are having very HOT and DRY conditions here again...argh...with fresh winds...not very nice....and spring hasn't started here, let alone summer!
I used to dislike the drab brown colours of winter, until someone pointed out to me that it's when you can see the bones and structure of the landscape and the trees. I like that idea.
I agree, I love summer and green and flowers. But I also love snow. As if we get alot here...
But I do love all the fields. I pass 90-some on my way to work. (Yes, I counted one morning!)
I like all the seasons...and I love me some soy! And wine.
I'm devastated to learn that soybeans don't stay green all year!! Always thought they would make a fine replacement for our dull grass. Next, you'll be telling me that those soybeans would have to be harvested if I planted them on my front lawn. The shock is going to be with me a while...
AHA! Soybeans ..we speculated on what was growing so low to the ground ... and now we know!
I don't know much about agriculture, and all I know I learn from you, right here!
I remember when Orange County CA was mostly fields of corn, beans, lettuce, tomatoes and strawberries. I never got involved beyond buying the end results of those fields at corner stands.
Maybe your beautiful daffodils will be around next blogfest...or the soybeans.
I love soy beans...tofu actually.. but the green is so pretty.
...I love soybean fields. I also love corn fields. And pumpkin fields. And I love that photo. :o)
...Hold on up there 'Annie', we're having fall like weather here in Missouri and usually what we're getting here you get a week later...
...Blessings... :o)
Not a soy fan, other than in the fields, where they are a feast for the eyes.
Okay, all y'all have to move to California from November through March, which is our green season. Then you can go on home to enjoy your own green seasons. Other than trees, corn and pumpkins, not too much is green around here after Easter, *sigh.*
You are so funny. I would never want to do 3rd grade again. Very pretty picture.
They used to serve soybean burgers at school. With mustard and ketchup they were fine.
There is something so special about the fields. Boca burgers are rad too.
Come to Austin, Texas, in the middle of August and THEN tell me how much you love summer. I promise, those dry brown soybean fields will look a lot more refreshing.
Annie, that does not sound comfortable. Maybe you should head to Virginia for Oyster Fest...in November, it will be nice and cool.
Pueblo girl - that's a good way to look at it. Another way to look at it is you wouldn't appreciate the green so much if you had it all the time. You need it taken away for a while in order to miss it and love it when it returns. The winters are just hard for me, I hate the darkness and the drabness.
Angelmama-90? That's amazing. Do you work in Fredericksburg? Gracious that's a lot.
MPM-Soy is good, but wine is better. I think Confucious said that.
CF-Soybeans as a lawn...not a bad idea. Sort of like GAStro turf.
Daryl- YOu should see them now. Big, bushy, beautiful. I am still talking about the soybeans,btw.
GJ-Daffodils would be in March/April which is iffy weather around here and the green hasn't come in yet. Soybeans are later in the summer, which of course is also iffy due to daily thunderstorms and the occasional tropical storm turned hurricane. Maybe you could come out for daffodil season though and then come BACK for blog fest later...
AM-I like tofu too, but really those soy burgers are outstanding - try the Bocas, you can doctor them up and they taste as good as beef.
tj - You're having fall-like weather? BLow some of that cool air this way, but not too much just enough to move the sweltering blanket of humidity and the raptor-sized mosquitoes.
Foolery-Never knew it was that hot around there year 'round. Maybe I will have to make a winter trip out west...
KD-I'd do 3rd again in a heart beat, although I really don't remember much about it. It can't have been but so bad.
ND-They did?? I don't ever remember having soyburgers at school, although I agree that they taste good especially when doctored up - a little lettuce, tomato and ketchup. Love them.
LOTS-They're the raddest.
Bejewell-Can't even imagine weather that oppressive, although sometimes I think we come pretty close here with our humidity and heat. But you're right, it's all relative.
Happy Tuesday, a day I've barely survived and it's not over yet.
I am a fan of the 3-year cropping system. It's a good way to go.
It would be rather itchy swimming in those soybeans, I'd think. But you are one kinky chick, so I can see it.
** giggle **
Country Girl - You're right about that itchy factor but in the imaginary world where most of my time is spent, it would be a perfect place to swim.
The above statement was brought to you courtesy of 4 hours of sleep and 2400 hours of work/driving today.
Tons of soybeans here too!
Do you tutor?
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