Well harvest is getting started around here, so many of you regular readers may not read this column until November. But that’s okay. Get the crops in first and then you can read…and sleep…and have a life.

But we are not the only ones harvesting right now. People all over the country are getting their crops in, whatever those crops happen to be. For instance, up in Wisconsin they are getting ready to flood the bogs and harvest the cranberries. Down south it’s about time to pick cotton. And in California…well in California they are harvesting something or other all the time.

So, believe it or not, other people are having equipment break down. Other people are contending with the weather. Other people are getting stressed out too. This is because harvest can be tense when things don’t go right. On the other hand it can be an awesome thing when things are going well.

Either way, as you go through your harvest, here are a few fun facts to help pass the time. Bet you didn’t know this stuff.

Fun Fact No. 1: Bananas are the number one fruit crop in the world. They are the fourth largest crop overall crop behind wheat, rice and corn. 

Fun Fact No. 2: In Latin American countries, you can find Guinea Pig farms. In Peru, about 65 million Guinea pigs are eaten every year.

Fun Fact No. 3: Farmers today produce over 250% more food with FEWER inputs than they did in 1950.

Fun Fact No. 4: Ever tried alligator meat? Since hunting alligators is illegal, they are grown on farms for their meat, hide and teeth. Gators are harvested when they are 5-7 feet long.

Fun Fact No. 5: Pumpkins are grown all over the world. In fact, they are grown on every continent except Antarctica.

So have a great harvest, everybody. Stay safe, stay calm, and don’t forget to have some fun.