USW Continues Gathering Harvest and Farm Family Stories in Ohio

Contributions made by Brad Reynolds, Ohio Corn & Wheat Director of Communications

As the 2019 U.S. wheat harvest rolls on in other parts of the country, it started only recently for soft red winter (SRW) wheat harvest in Ohio, the next stop for U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) to capture the images and words of another farm family. Our organization is producing a video that focuses on the people who contribute to the wholesome quality of U.S. wheat for dozens of different food products around the world. We began in Kansas and the project to be completed in 2020 will take us around the United States.

It was a busy day in Paulding, Ohio at the Goyings Family Farm late in the week of July 8. The sky was clear with puffy white clouds and a slight breeze blowing and temperatures were expected to top out around 85 degrees F. — both signals that Northwest Ohio may be pressing on from cool wet weather that has plagued the region this spring.

Doug Goyings, current USW Chairman, prepared for a day of harvest at his farm that has grown significantly since his ancestors moved there in the 1800s. Harvest is always a busy time that needs to be carefully planned, but spirits were high. This “organized chaos” was evident as the first video interview with son Jeremy began. Upon completion, his wife Jessica and his twin boys showed up at the shop to “supervise” the activities.

“Working hard and going strong” was the theme of the day as wheat harvest, bailing the wheat straw and planting soybeans in the same fields they had just harvested went on into the night. There is no question that a supportive family is what makes Doug’s operation strong and that challenging work and long days are made slightly easier when spent doing something that you love surrounded by the people that you love.

While growing SRW wheat in Ohio this year has been a challenge and acres to be harvested are down, wheat is still an important crop for the state. In addition to supplying a source of food and animal feed, growing wheat in Ohio helps improve water quality, soil health and fertility.

Thanks to Brad Reynolds, Director of Communications with the Ohio Small Grains Checkoff, for his help arranging our visit. And many thanks to the Goyings family for graciously taking so much time to share their love of producing U.S. wheat for the world.