Kansas Wheat Harvest Video

Aerial footage of three combines and a grain cart in western Kansas during wheat harvest 2018. Plum Creek Farms, Syracuse, Kansas

The following interview with Alec and Rick Horton, Horton Seed Services, was conducted at their office near Leoti, Kansas. Due to a rain delay, they weren't able to cut wheat on the morning of June 29, but they spoke with us about their family farm operation, wheat harvest 2016, and why Rick lets his kids eat wheat.

The following videos were taken on June 11, 2016, in Sumner County, Kansas.

First, we ride in a combine with Jake Van Allen, a 27 year old who farms with his dad and grandpa. Jake's wife, Lauren, is an ag teacher and his sister, Lindsey, is a crop adjuster. His mom, Donna, also has a full-time job and coordinates meals for the harvest crew. All three generations are involved in the family farm. They also recruit their cousin to help drive a truck every year. This 17-minute video gives viewers the opportunity to ride along in the combine and also hear as we interview Jake about his farm and the current wheat harvest.

After the wheat is cut with the combine, it is transferred to a truck and taken to the grain elevator. In this 12-minute video, we travel to Farmers Coop Grain Assn. in Conway Springs, Kansas, to unload the Van Allens' wheat.

After unloading a semi load of wheat at the elevator, we travel back to the wheat field for some aerial shots of harvest and a 12-minute interview with Scott Van Allen. Scott farms with his father and son in Sumner County, Kansas. He also serves on the Kansas Wheat Commission.

Tom Morton and his wife Mary also farm in Sumner County. Tom previously served on the Kansas Wheat Commission and the Kansas Wheat Alliance. He has downsized his farm over the past year or two and is able to run the combine himself through about 10-12 days of harvest. Volunteers run his grain cart and truck, while Mary brings them meals and also drives the grain truck. This 6-minute video shows aerial footage of harvest at sunset.