Wheat People

Gearing Up

Rick Ladd and Jeff Moeckel ready a combine for harvest, Plevna, 1998.

"You go over the combine with a grease gun
for the hundredth time,
and wait."
Grant Heilman, Wheat Country, 1977.

Each May and June, entire communities in Kansas gear up for harvest. It affects everyone.

The Dreiers move their combine to an uncut field, another early morning harvest practice, Hesston, 1998.

During the preceeding weeks, mechanics work long hours overhauling combines, tractors, and trucks. Food flies off grocers' shelves as farmers stock up on supplies. Local teenagers take jobs with area farmers and elevators. Excitement builds as townspeople gather at cafes to discuss the wheat's ripeness and the weather forecast.

Most equipment supply stores extend their hours so farmers can buy parts to fix broken machines. Employees work from dawn to dusk with only occasional breaks.

Although combines often can't enter fields until 11 a.m. because of morning dew, there is plenty of work to be done early in the day. Farmers check oil, water levels, and tire pressure. They add fuel, grease the combines, and make repairs.

How do you know when to harvest?

"Watch the neighbors."
Phill Martin, Great Bend, 1998.

"When Dad gets the grumpiest."
Jo Keesling, Chase, 1998.

Left: Alvin Hoover, Chapman, checks wheat
during 1998 harvest.

"Thresh out a head,
and blow the chaff away,
and put it in your mouth
and chew.
If it cracks and pops, you're
ready to cut wheat."
Virl Moeckel, Plevna, 1998.

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