On Sunday, May 15, a 25-acre soybean field provided by Shirk Family Farms was planted. This is the fifth year for this popular and most successful fundraiser to help the Greensburg Community Bread of Life to best meet the needs of those that are facing food insecurity.
There are three objectives to this project:
- Utilize a local resource to help grow funds for the Bread of Life.
- Help educate our community about the cost and risk of crop farming.
- Promote agriculture in Decatur County as agriculture truly is the “Bread of Life.”
This year’s field is located at the north end of Decatur County near the junction of State Road 3 and 500 North. The planting date of mid-May should provide for a good soybean harvest in the fall. However, there are many factors such as weather, seed germination, weed control, and others that can affect the final harvest.
Sam Shirk planted the field at 140,000 seeds per acre in 15-inch rows at a depth of 1.5 inches and using a 24-row planter. It took a little over two hours to finish the field.
It is interesting to learn about the cost of the planting through the harvesting cycle. This year’s soybean field comes to $325 per acre for the inputs. Some of the input costs includes planting, seed with treatment, fertilizer, weed control chemicals, fertilizer, insecticides, soil tillage, combine harvest, hauling beans to market, and crop insurance. The total cost per acre does not include the cost of land, labor, and interest.
Melissa Foist, Executive Director of the Greensburg Community Bread of Life, has been very appreciative of the Ag businesses, organizations, and individuals that have supported “Farmers Feeding the Flock” the past four years by donating Ag supplies or sponsoring an acre. “This farming project truly fits our community,” stated Foist.
“Farmers Feeding the Flock” is an exciting fundraiser as we can keep interested people updated on the progress of the field on our website, Facebook, and local media. “We will ask for prayers if the field needs rain,” commented Foist. “It also serves as a reminder that crop farming is a big part of our community and our farmers count on good weather for maximum yields. This is just part of the millions of dollars invested in the many acres of crops in Decatur County, stated Foist.
The Greensburg Community Bread of Life is in its 20th year of helping people in need. The first meal was served on August 19, 2002, with 13 meals. Last year, the Bread of Life served 19,149 meals with the help of 315 volunteers. Their mission statement is “Faithfully serving together to meet our neighbors’ needs.”
If you would like to sponsor an acre, volunteer at the kitchen, or get additional information, call Greensburg Community Bread of Life at 812-663-1055; call/text 812-662-4887; or go to our website greensburgbreadoflife.com or email greensburgbreadoflife@etczone.com.