Wheat Scoop: Race to the Finish

This year’s Kansas wheat harvest has been far from typical. Rainfall happening throughout the state during the entire harvest process has slowed efforts and even caused some localized quality issues for farmers. The delays have created an opportunity for Kansas wheat farmers who need help getting their harvest done quickly, as well as for custom harvesting crews whose own schedules have been pushed back by the rain. Experienced wheat harvesting crews are still available and ready to help wrap up wheat harvest. 

In the latest episode of Wheat’s On Your Mind, Aaron Harries, vice president of research and operations at Kansas Wheat, sits down with Lyle Friesen of Friesen Harvesting to talk about the realities of custom harvesting and how his family-run business adapts to a harvest season full of surprises.

“Wheat harvest isn’t just a job, it’s a way of life,” said Lyle Friesen, owner and third-generation custom harvester from Meade, Kansas. “We’re not just running machines, we’re helping families bring in their livelihoods.”

Friesen Harvesting, based in Meade, Kansas, is a third-generation, family-owned custom harvesting business built on values of honesty, hard work and Christian faith. Founded in the early 1950s with a single Massey combine and a Chevy truck, the operation has grown into a modern fleet of John Deere S770 combines and Kenworth trucks. Friesen Harvesting provides professional custom harvesting services for winter wheat, spring wheat, durum, peas and lentils along a northbound route from Oklahoma to Montana. In the fall, they harvest corn, milo and soybeans within a 100-mile radius of Meade. Their crew culture emphasizes professionalism, safety and a family-friendly environment, making them a dependable and trusted partner for farmers across the plains.

Much like many other custom harvesters, their northbound harvest route usually stretches from Oklahoma to Montana, but this year’s weather has complicated that traditional migration. New wheat varieties, tighter labor markets and high input costs have added pressure to custom harvest operations. At the same time, growers struggling with rain delays may find themselves with ripe fields but no available crew.

That’s where U.S. Custom Harvesters, Inc. (USCHI) can help. USCHI’s online harvester database connects growers with professional harvest crews across the country, many of whom are still seeking work due to this year’s interrupted harvest flow. With some areas still too wet to cut and others drying out quickly, Kansas producers can turn to the directory to find skilled, ready crews who may be available nearby. 

Kansas-based custom harvester Jacob Hermesch, who is listed on USCHI.com, has been working through tough, muddy conditions and taking on new acres where he can.

“There’s demand for harvesters right now — farmers have the crop ready, they just need someone who can actually get through the fields,” Hermesch said. 

Hermesch is currently running near Kinsley but said he’s open to picking up more acres, especially along U.S. Highway 36. With scattered rain in the forecast, Hermesch and others like him represent a timely opportunity for Kansas farmers looking to finish strong.

With harvest windows narrowing and timing critical, Kansas growers are encouraged to visit USCHI.com to find a custom harvester who can help finish the job.