Hayden on Harvest: Central Texas wheat harvest ends as custom crew prepares for next run

The crew finished roughly 390 acres during its final day in the region before returning a combine to the shop for maintenance and preparation for upcoming harvest work. The remaining combines and support equipment will be repositioned as work continues in West Texas and later in northern wheat-producing areas.

With harvest complete, attention shifts from cutting wheat to equipment preparation. The crew plans to swap tires between combines, wash machines and return a rented detach trailer in favor of its own combine trailers to reduce operating costs before the next move.

The operator also discussed equipment choices, noting that singles remain the preferred tire configuration for custom harvesting because they simplify loading and unloading at each stop, while duals provide a smoother ride in the field.

The final harvest days included frequent moves between fields with different landlords, requiring harvested grain to remain separated where crop-share arrangements applied. The crew also coordinated with neighboring producers while completing the remaining acres.

During harvest, the operator compared the performance of 40-foot and 45-foot headers, estimating the wider headers increased productivity under favorable wheat conditions. However, the crew continues using mostly 40-foot headers because operating multiple header widths together complicates field logistics. Residue distribution also remains an important consideration for producers using no-till systems, particularly ahead of soybean and corn production.

After returning to the shop, the crew noted another combine remained in use with a neighboring farmer after that producer experienced a mechanical breakdown. Once that temporary work concludes, all equipment will be prepared for the next phase of the harvest season.

Although part of the crew will travel to West Texas for several days of harvest, others will remain at the shop to service combines before the operation continues north.