For the past five days I've finally had what I've apparently taken for granted these past few years; uninterrupted harvesting. While it is common to run into some unripe rice the first few days of harvest, in October it is almost unheard of. Not surprisingly, the rice that took way too long to plant is now taking forever to mature and harvest.

I've certainly appreciated the opportunity to cut at our full capabilities, harvesting over 100 acres a day, but doing so I'm violating one of my father's oldest rules, which is "never cut yourself out of ripe rice.” Doing so means our crew stops, and after a half day of servicing and repairs, doesn't have much to do. My father was never one for people standing around. But it’s hard for me to not get in a hurry and cut when I can. You simply do not know when Mother Nature can stop you before you're ready. Rainfall is not welcome now.

My self-imposed goal was to be done by Halloween, so I could relax and take my son trick-or treating for the first time with my wife, Caitlin. We'll see.

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More about Tom: Tom Butler farms rice with his father, Steve, in Sutter and Yolo Counties. Tom is the fourth generation of his family to farm.

When he’s not on the job, the University of Nebraska graduate enjoys swimming, water polo, hunting and spending time with his family.