—Lancaster Farming, Saturday, July 28,1979 10 Safety can never be stressed enough Harold C. Herr, a southern Lan caster County farmer, is an in credible man who had an incredible experience. He lost both of his legs in a corn picker accident seven years ago. But the loss hasn’t dampened his will to farm. In fact, he has picked corn every year since the accident and wouldn’t want it any other way. Mr. Herr is one of the most im pressive men I have ever met While he suffered one of the worst ac cidents imaginable, his philosophy and attitude are most admirable. He has been a farmer all of his life, and he will remain a farmer for the remainder of his years. His testimony about the entire ordeal is a shining DESPISED OFFERINGS Lesson for July 29, 1979 Background Scripture: Amos 1 through 2; 5. Devotional Reading; Psalms 106:1-5. TO BE CAREFUL WITH SEED WHEAT The time is here when wheat growers should be making plans for their seed for fall planting. Some of the local seed may not be satisfactory due to the wheat scab situation. If local wheat is to be used it should be cleaned thoroughly, to get out the light, scabby seeds, and then treated for diseases. Also, if wheat is to go back into the same ground next year, as scabby wheat was grown this If Amos is well remembered to us today, it is certainly not a reflection of his popularity m his own day. He was easily one of the most despised and rejected of all the prophets. For one thing, he was without any training or background in this sacred vocation. By vocation he was a herdsman and dresser of sycamore trees - hardly preparation for the role of the prophet. Secondly, he was a foreigner in Israel. His home was Tekoa, a little village between Jerusalem and Bethlehem m the nation of Judah. To the people of the '' . NOW IS THE TIME ] summer, the ground should be plowed this fall. Certified seed might be the best land to use if scab was present this year. Growers are urged to give some attention to their seed wheat needs at this time. Don’t wait until planting time Seed supplies might not meet the demand TO HAVE GOOD LIVESTOCK EQUIPMENT The proper handling of livestock is a very important part of livestock production Too many producers handle livestock with little or no good equipment Loading chutes are very important to reduce stress in livestock Cutting gates and cutting chutes are also very im portant Catch gates, or head gates, are needed to properly treat or vaccinate example of strong faith, deter mination, character, and patience. He was never one to be reckless, he says, and he never consciously took his abilities for granted. But an accident claimed both of his legs nonetheless. He was 56 years old when the tragedy struck and is thankful that he had 56 years with the use of his legs. Mr. Herr’s story underscores the fact that one can never be too careful. He tells his story without bitterness, but with obvious lessons on life, faith, and of course, farm safety. If a person is fortunate enough to have met Mr. Herr, the first stroke of No legs , but happy By Harold Herr The day after Thanksgiving, November 24, 1972, was just another day on our 300 acre dairy farm and I proceeded to work it out as usual with long hours and devoted energy. I managed to leave the fields of golden gram the previous day for about three hours to enjoy a feast with my family, little knowing it would be the last Thanksgiving I would walk on my own two legs. 1 go to the field from day to day conscious of the Lord’s presence, as he is my constant companion He has given me more than my share of muscle and strength to accomplish such chores as digging out rocks, neighboring Israel to the north, it was presumptuous for Amos to presume to come to their land and pronounce dire prophecies. Why didn’t he stay m his own country and be a prophet there? Justice To Wormwood Worst of all, however, was Amos’ pronouncement upon all that they valued in their national life: “0 you who turn justice to wormwood, and cast down righteousness to the earth!” (5:7). It seemed that Amos was saymg God’s judgement would be harsher on the people of Israel than on their pagan neighbors. There was animals. Some of these can be purchased, while others can be constructed on the farm. We urge producers to check their equipment at this time of the year before the fall rush of crop har vesting gets underway. The less stress and excitement in moving livestock, the less danger of weight losses and injuries. TO PLAN FOR CORN STORAGE The recent rams in this part of the state indicate that we are headed for another good com crop When we get several inches of ram when the corn is pollinating, it often means sufficient moisture to make that particular field of corn Growers might take a look at thought is sorrow and sympathy But it isn’t long before it’s much more than that. Mr Herr represents a most inspiring, unforgettable en counter which almost defies belief. He, and many like him who have suffered tragedies of their own, are incredible because they pick up right where they left off. Perhaps the human body, mind, and spirit is designed to function that way. None of us would want to find this out through a personal ex perience, I’m sure It's sad, to say the least, that anyone experiences the suffering that Mr. Herr did. filling in gullies, cleaning fence rows, cutting bushes, and removing stumps and rocks that former far mers had by-passed for years I consider the soil that God made as sacred, to be used and not abused God designed it to give off a pleasing odor when tilled, to sprout and grow grains and grasses that too would give pleasant odors to make work more enjoyable throughout the year I love the soil and work at it with faith and joy. God said that as long as the earth stands there will be seed time and harvest. As a dedicated farmer I must work at it hard to perform a virtually nothing m Israel that did not fall under his righteous indignation; “Therefore because you trample upon the poor and take from his exactions of what, you have built houses of hewn stone, but you shall not dwell in them... For I know how many are your transgressions, and how great are your sms (5:11,12). If this was hard for the people of Israel to bear, his judgement upon their religious life was even more devastating: I hate, I despise your feasts, and I take no delight their storage facilities and determine what is to be done with this 79 com crop. Silos should be checked and, m some cases, might need servicing and repairing. Bins and cribs used for shelled or ear com should be readied and rodent-proofed. Gram prices are advancing and good storage is needed to protect gram quality. Don’t be m the position of having to pile corn on the barn floor, or other mfenor storage places TO FERTILIZE STRAWBERRY PLANTS Most strawberry growers have realized very good returns from their plants m recent years The prices are very favorable In order to get maximum yields next The Kirkwood R 1 farmer tells his story freely. Those who have heard him, can consider themselves so much the richer for it. Mr Herr’s story isn't just about an accident It’s about life - not just existence - but a meaningful life, and man’s relationship with God. His words are inspiring, and so are his actions. He does most of the field work around his farm, for example, and maintains a garden that's nearly a half acre in size Yes, Mr Herr is an incredible individual His own testimony begins on the page service to humanity and provide for my family. To produce sufficient quantities to show a profit, 1 rent more acres, buy larger more dangerous and com plicated equipment, put in longer more strenuous hours and produce four times as much food as I did 25 years ago. While operating the corn picker on that fateful Friday afternoon, Nov 24, 1972, I noticed that one corn gathering chain was not moving. Disengaging the power-take-off, I observed that the chains were loose and proceeded to adjust the tension| m your solemn assemblies. Even though you offer me your burnt offerings and cereal offerings, I will not accept them... Take away from me the noise of your songs; to the melody of your hearts I will not listen. (5:21- 23). Amos’ message was shocking: God was not pleased by their worship, he refused to hear their singing, and hardest of all to believe: he was completely hostile to their offerings. I’ve never been m a church that refused to accept people’s offerings, but that’s precisely what Amos said God was doing. sprmg we suggest the plants be well fertilized this summer. An application of 20 to 30 pounds of actual nitrogen per acre over the plants during July or August should give strength to new runners and increase fruit yields. This application should be made when the plants are dry m order tc Farm Calendar Today, July 28 - Pennsylvania Natural Liv ing Convention, Sus quehanna University, Selmsgrove, today and tomorrow. Heifer Sale, Quarryville Fairgrounds, 12 noon. Proceeds benefit the Fair Association (Turn to Page 38) True Offerings Of course there was nothing wrong with their offering per se, what was wrong was that these of ferings of money were just so much hypocrisy in light of the evil that had reigned all about them. What God wanted more than great offerings could be summed up in one grand passage: “But let justice roll like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream” (5:24). How we treat other people - particularly those in need - - will always be of far greater importance than our rituals, feasts and offerings. avoid burning the leaves. Ammonium nitrate is one of the good nitrogen fertilizers to use. In the home garden use about one-fourth pound of ammonium nitrate per 100 square feet of bed space. Good care of the strawberry plants this summer will help greater yields next June. Tuesday, July 31 Lancaster County Holstein Field Day, Earl Landis, Manheim R 7. Adams County 4-H Round-up, show at 8 a.m" sale at 7 p.m. at South Mountain Fairgrounds, Arendtsville. J, (Turn to Page 29)
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