Hayden on Harvest: Custom harvesters test their skills in Farming Simulator

Two real-life custom harvesters tested their agricultural experience in Farming Simulator, beginning a virtual operation with no machinery, farmland or available cash.

The players started with a $100,000 loan and used the full amount to repay the bank, leaving them dependent on contract work to build their operation. They selected a canola harvest contract and borrowed a John Deere S7 800 combine, a 35-foot header, a tractor and grain-handling equipment.

The simulation reversed their usual roles. In the field, one normally operates the combine while the other runs the grain cart. During the game, they switched positions and encountered difficulty transporting equipment, including losing the header from its trailer while traveling to the field.

While harvesting, the operators compared the simulated machinery with the John Deere S770 combines they use in real life. They noted similarities in the cab layout, controls, display screens, draper belts and internal combine animations, while also identifying differences between the simulated S7 model and their equipment.

After completing the canola contract, the pair considered buying farmland but decided to continue building cash reserves. They then divided their work between fertilizing and baling contracts. The fertilizing job required purchasing about $2,000 in fertilizer and returned roughly $3,000 after expenses.

A separate weeding contract was canceled after the player accepted the work without borrowing the required machinery. The pair completed the remaining baling job and ended the session with about $27,000.

Although some virtual tasks proved more difficult than their real-world counterparts, the harvesters said the game offered a detailed representation of modern farm equipment and fieldwork. They planned to continue completing contracts before purchasing land, machinery or livestock for their virtual operation.