Dateline: Early October, Clay County, Minn. ~ By David Kragnes ~ The Sugarbeet Grower

     It’s really dark out here. We have been blessed with clear skies since the beet harvest season started. There is no moon, so the stars are beautiful. But when I shut off the pickup headlights, man, is it dark out here!

     I could easily describe how dark it is with a saying my Dad had — but I shouldn’t print it. That reminds me: I need to schedule a colonoscopy this winter.
     The daytime temps have been too high, so we can only harvest at night when things cool down. I am headed out to the topper tractor, so I am the first in our field. I must be just ahead of my neighbors, because I don’t see any of the bright spots in
the area that really light up when all those tractors and trucks get rolling.
     The tractor easily comes to life, and I sit in the glow of the dash lights, waiting for the temp gage to move — and thinking. It is amazing how fast things flash through my mind. I don’t spend but a second on the night’s work; I have a great crew back who all know their jobs. Instead, my mind jumps to other parts of the country and all the friends I have made in this small world of sugar.
     I think of fishing in Idaho with Jeff in that little river so full of rainbows there was hardly any room for the water. I recall going with Tom to his grandson’s basketball game in Michigan after speaking at the Michigan annual meeting. Sitting in the gallery of the U.S. House with Mike, watching a successful vote on the farm bill we had lobbied so hard for, marching the halls with Luther, meeting the cane growers with Mark . . . all moments to remember.
     I turn on the radio just in time to catch John Denver singing, “But more than anything else I’m sorry for myself, cause you’re not here with me.” This brings a sad moment at thoughts of those who aren’t here with me anymore. I think I’ll go to the ASGA meeting this winter to see old friends. It’s been awhile. We need each other in this small world of sugar.
     I hope you had a great harvest. Happy Holidays — David 􀀀

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