So this is what Johnny Cash was talking about…

Today we burned what was left of Mr. Wise’s wheat fields after we had harvested the wheat. In essence, this meant that it was a bunch of hay, some wheat stalks, and some unwanted grass. From what I understand the philosophy behind burning one’s fields is that it both releases nutrients from the organic matter you burn, and it destroys root systems and such that are subterranean. I’m not sure of the scientific validity of it, but Mr. Wise has been doing it for years, so it must be alright, and I’ve seen plumes of smoke coming up all around Marion County from other farmers doing the same thing, so there must be some consensus about it. Also, if you’d like a comedic mental image to accompany these images, know that I took these pictures while trying to also hold on to the back of a four-wheeler as we doused the fields in flame. It was a comedic sight to say the least. Lastly, if you’re questioning the legality of doing this, it should please (or potentially displease) you to know that, beforehand, Mr. Wise registered the fire with the state of South Carolina.

Without further ado:

This was a cricket who had jumped onto my jeans in terror as we burned his house to the ground. There were also moths flying all around.

And lastly, this was Alfonzo’s rooster, who was very disoriented by the whole thing.

That’s all for now!

-Jacob