As we wrap up another harvest season here in Montana, I’m struck by how different every year can be. Farming keeps you humble—it’s a mix of grit, grace, and a whole lot of adjusting to whatever Mother Nature sends our way. This year, she surprised us with unusual amounts of rainfall late in the season. While the moisture was welcome in many ways, it sure kept us on our toes when it came to finishing up in the fields. And across parts of the state, hailstorms left their mark—reminders of just how vulnerable we farmers are to forces we can’t control.
Now, as the combines quiet down and bins fill up, life shifts gears. School buses rumble down gravel roads again, carrying our kids back to classrooms. Afternoons are filled with football games, volleyball matches, and the joyful chaos of fall activities. There’s a certain rhythm to this season that feels grounding—long days in the field give way to bleachers, homework, and the comfort of family dinners.
At our table, those meals almost always start with wholesome whole grains. Whether it’s a warm bowl of hearty cereal before school or ancient grain grits served alongside supper, I love knowing the food we grow fuels our kids’ busy days. Whole grains carry the story of our soil—the nutrients, the care, and the resilience that go into every kernel. They’re more than just breakfast; they’re nourishment for body and spirit, helping us all stay strong through the shift from harvest hustle to school-year routine.
As I reflect on this season, I’m grateful—for the rain that replenished the land, even if it tested our patience; for the lessons in resilience after hailstorms; for the chance to steward the soil another year; and for the grounding rhythm of fall that keeps us connected. From field to kitchen table, fall reminds me that resilience, nourishment, and connection are the true harvest.
