Do you know how difficult it is to write an introduction when you feel like you’re saying the same old thing? Sort of like “second verse, same as the first!”
How do you not tell the same old story when it’s your story? When it’s who you are and how past events led you to where you are right now? I guess I could fabricate some sort of wild tale but then that wouldn’t be who I am.
I have been asked to write about custom harvesting which led to the creation of a power point presentation. I bring this up because it gave me an excuse to actually visit with my dad about the beginnings of this lifestyle for our family. To me, it’s just a job. It’s what we’ve done, as a family business, since 1951. The one person I wish I could talk to is my grandpa. He and Grandma used to tell tales of the harvest all the time—back when it didn’t matter to me.
In 1929, at the age of 17, Grandpa (Elvin Hancock) and his brother used their Rumely pull type combine (pulled with a Farmall Tractor) to begin custom harvesting for local Kansas farmers. I have a picture of this combine on my personal blog, Nebraskawheatie.com. The title of the post is “Why I am the way I am—part 1”—if you’d like to check it out.
Grandpa hit the open roads with his combine in 1951. It wasn’t until the summer of 1957 that my dad entered the picture. He had all kinds of stories to tell me about what the harvest was like for him. They didn’t have the luxury of a 40-foot trailer house with all the amenities of home. They either slept in the truck box (filled with wheat) or under the truck. He recalled one rainy day when they spent the entire day under the truck. There were no cabs on the combines. So most days began with prying open eyes, which were matted shut due to the dirt and chaff of the previous day. And showers were a luxury when returning to camp after a long day. If the line was too long, they would often opt to jump in the river.
Jim was Grandpa’s hired man in 1975 and 1976. I was also with them those same years. I ended up marrying the hired man in 1982. We bought a combine the fall of 1982 and the rest is history.
After raising four amazing daughters while on this journey, we’re now back down to just the two of us. I typically run the combine while Jim drives truck. We eat lots of sandwiches and sometimes just have a bowl of cereal after we get in at night. #whateverittakes
This summer is setting up to be a bit of a challenge due to weather and other circumstances. We thought last year was tough…but this one could be even more interesting. I believe God has a plan!
Tracy Zeorian can be reached at [email protected].
