How straight can you plow

[Dave McClung]

I took this picture today. I am told that today's farmers have computerized controls that will hold the tractor in a straight line, but I am still amazed at how they can plow straight for as far as one can see.

When I married into Linda's family, her father used to allow me to drive his tractor. I was a jet pilot in the USAF at the time. I thought that anyone who can fly a jet airplance can certainly drive a tractor. I learned that it takes more concentration to plow a straight furrow than it does to land a plane.

[David Graham]

The large grain farms use that sort of tecnology out here too, based upon "satelite navigation" I suspect.

You certainly couldn't get them that straight (at least consistently so) back in the old days.

[Dennis M. Scott]

Today's tractors have far more sophisticated computers than your helicopter. For the record, we appreciate your work in that helicopter. Somebody else will do the tractor thing.

[Jon Bemis]

In the "old days" (before GPS) the process for plowing a relatively straight row was pretty straight forward. My father taught me to pick a fixed object in the distance and stay focused on it. I still use the same method to make straight rows while mowing my yard.

But Jesus told him, "Anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God." Luke 9:62

[G R 'Scott' Cundiff]

In the "old days" (before GPS) the process for plowing a relatively straight row was pretty straight forward. My father taught me to pick a fixed object in the distance and stay focused on it. I still use the same method to make straight rows while mowing my yard.

But Jesus told him, "Anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God." Luke 9:62

That's how I learned to do it too. In the Dave's photo, and from lots of first hand Texas panhandle experience, those fields are too big to see the opposite side of the field - there aren't even any trees off in the distance to use as target points.

PS: Love your quote

[Dana Grant]

Seeing as how I have no sense of direction, my rows would probably be circles......just sayin'

[Glenn Messer]

Reminds me of a story told by Lewis Grizzard some years ago. He was supposed to speak at an event in Amarillo, TX, but the weather forced them to land in Lubbock. Someone picked him up in Lubbock and drove him to Amarillo. As they approached the Amarillo area they passed a large farm field with a single large tree out in the middle of the field; it was the only tree of any size in sight. His driver informed him that the fields they were passing actually belonged to him. Lewis remarked that he must really value that tree out in the middle of the field as it was the only tree in sight for miles. He surmised that the driver/farmer must give it really special care. The farmer then told him that he was seriously considering cutting that tree down and getting rid of it and its roots. Grizzard was shocked and asked, "It's the only tree for miles. How can you even consider cutting it down?" The farmer replied, "I take it you've never plowed a field."

[Daniel Hamlin]

I learned that it takes more concentration to plow a straight furrow than it does to land a plane.

So you didn't land your plane in a straight line?

[Jamey Landry]

My family are crop dusters. I grew up around and working on the old bi-planes (Grumman ag-cats). I was also a flag man. I had to go out in the field carrying a flag, pacing out the length of the wing and waving a flag, marking where the plane was to pass over. And yes, I usually got a face full of fertilizer or herbicide/pesticide. Now they use GPS systems. One of my little brothers installs them for different ag operators. I for one wished we had them back in the late 70's and early 80's. I wouldn't be glowing in the dark now, lol.

[Dave McClung]

So you didn't land your plane in a straight line?

Landing a plane or a helicopter takes a lot of concentration for a minute or two at a time. Plowing a straight furrow requires concentration for a much longer time. After watching the marker at the other end of the field for 8 to 10 minutes, I would find my mind wandering.

[Lee Branum]

Dave, one of my high school classmates farms south of Ritzville Washington. He has GPS on his new Case-IH forty foot header combine and runs that huge machine with a joystick! It's amazing what he does NOT have to do compared to what I had to do in 1967 on a John Deere 95 Hillside machine! It goes straight as can be, he allows two inches on that forty foot header. Because it is so flat there, he goes back and forth, and the machine handles everything, monitors itself, and is simply unbelievable. I was amazed how quiet it was inside the air conditioned cab! He called me to take a short ride with him last summer...it was a marvelous experience, I remember what farming in Eastern Washington used to be...