Gabrysch farming success has wilted with the drought
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A corncob is left lying on the dry cracked black gumbo soil in a cornfield farmed by Wayne Gabrysch and his sons, Glenn and Kent. According to Gabrysch, and other local farmers, the quality of the crops is good but without any significant rain since May, the crops have actually shriveled under the lack of moisture.
By Frank TilleyVictoria Advocate
Wayne Gabrysch jokingly considers himself a relative newcomer to farming with only 18 years of farming experience on 4,000 acres.
But without a doubt, he considers 2009 to be the worst year for farming that he has witnessed in his lifetime.
Just as recent as 2007, conditions were completely different. Gabrysch counted 2007 as one of the best years. He also recalls that 2008 yielded an average of 120 bushels an acre, which is a far cry from this year's low yield because of a severe lack of rain.
Gabrysch, and his two sons, Glenn and Kent, farm in the Inez and Vanderbilt area. He said they have seen their crops literally shrivel from a height of about 5 to 6 feet to 3 feet ever since the rain stopped falling in late May.
Although the quality of corn is very good, the yields of 30 bushels an acre do not even come close to meeting cost, much less a profit. Gabrysch looked around the dusty field in Vanderbilt, tipped his cap back and said, "We have 500 acres that we didn't even put a combine into this year. The federal crop insurance, which only pays 60-70 percent will help some. that'll keep you in farming hopefully, pay the bank off, but you won't have anything left to buy momma." and his voice trailed off.
Gabrysch's oldest grandson, Craig, was helping him disc under a field near Vanderbilt on a hot, dry Friday afternoon, and pondered his future in the family farming business.
"I really feel sorry for them because they are young and they need the good crops every year," Gabrysch said.
Comments
Land stolen by whom? Don't just say the Mexicans or the Indians. You don't get a pass that easy. The Mexicans stole it from the Karankawa (the most recent native Americans in this area), who in turn stole it from the...
July 28, 2009 at 5:11 p.m.Never underestimate Karma. Land stolen in the past will one day become barren.
July 28, 2009 at 4:50 p.m.www.farm.ewg.org
check by county or individual. good hobby ur right Alton!
July 28, 2009 at 8:52 a.m.I contend that Congress needs to change the tax laws back to where farmers and ranchers could average their incomes and losses over five years. They should also eliminate the "hobby clause for farmers", that requires them to make a profit 3 out of five years.
July 28, 2009 at 12:35 a.m.Droughts and other natural events may occur for more than two years.