Kansas: 46 Million Acres of Farmland

Chemo at the University of Kansas Cancer Center was uneventful. I am grateful to everyone there who helped facilitate my treatment. Thank you.

Bill and I headed out the next morning, encountering yet another flood detour. As might be expected, I was not at my best.  The first week or so after chemo is challenging.

Kansas has been welcoming to us. We camp mostly in city parks and meet dozens of people. Our loaded touring bikes are a conversation starter. People want to hear about our journey and often give us much appreciated routing and camping advice. Kansas is a state of vast openness. We cycle through mile upon mile of farmland, as far as the eye can see in every direction … corn, wheat, soybeans.

We’ve been struck by the farmers we’ve met. Despite the weather problems they’ve had to contend with, they remain resolute about what Mother Nature has to offer. Many of them are struggling to get their crops planted, hindered by water-logged fields.  Most of the farmers have crop insurance, but it will only pay if the seeds are in the ground by June 15^th – which is proving to be a challenge in many locations.  Not surprisingly, their rates are increased when they do collect insurance. It’s a tenuous game with the current weather craziness.

Tariffs and low crop prices are taking a toll on their livelihood. One farmer who has been at it for sixty years told the story of going broke twice, but bouncing back both times. There are real-life lessons in making the best of whatever comes your way. I identify with that. Most of the farmers we meet don’t seem to worry about the things they can’t control; they just deal with what is in front of them.

We are ready to head into Nebraska and into the Pawnee Grasslands in the remote northeast corner of Colorado. To be continued…