June is the month in western Kansas when the hard red winter wheat is ripe and ready to be harvested. For the grains to get to the point of harvest, they endure quite a journey of development. The wheat is planted in the fall. Once it is in the ground, it depends on the forces of mother nature to cooperate. Some precipitation in the fall sets the process in motion. Snow over the winter is a source of moisture and strengthens the holding environment of the soil as it freezes. In the spring, the soil temperature speeds up the germination process, young blades of the plant emerge, and a beautiful expanse of green is created. That beautiful green expanse captures the sun's heat, grows the grain's stalk and head, and matures toward a harvest of grain.  The process depends on patience and tending. The process also depends on a certain capacity to tolerate that which is out of one’s control. Drought, too much rain, not enough snow, wind, and hail can have disastrous effects on the outcome of harvest. Then there are those years when the price given for the grain doesn’t come close to what it costs to grow it.

We hope attendees of the annual conference enjoyed their time in New Orleans, LA. The ACPE team is back in the office and catching up on correspondence. We thank you for your patience during this time.

If you haven’t completed the conference survey, please participate so we can continue to improve our time together.

Next week, we will begin publishing conference photos, videos, reflections, and more.

Thank you for contributing to a rich and meaningful event. If you have any questions, please contact Terry Izaguirre or Ashley Almanzar.