North Dakota – Well we made it as far north as we’ll go for wheat harvest. I absolutely love North Dakota and being here is my favorite part of the summer. Overall, wheat harvest 2026 has been one of the worst I’ve seen. It started early in mid-May but we only sent half of the combines to first stop. A lot of the acres were zeroed out early and left us disappointed. All four of our crews were split up the first several weeks of harvest. I started in southern Kansas and had to wait out a rain spell once I arrived. Then we had fifteen days in a row of wheat cutting and that felt great! Kansas was good to us besides having to wait on the weather to straighten up for us. Then July was disappointing. There just wasn’t much to cut. A lot of western Nebraska was zeroed out. Then we got up to South Dakota and had to wait on wheat to ripen. The drought, heat and wind hurt some of the yields up north. Right now I’m cutting field peas and usually they yield well but the heat and wind during the growing season hurt the yields. It’s a harvest that’s been unusually tough. My burning desire is always there to be in the field but it just hasn’t worked great this summer but I’m thankful for every single acre we did get to cut.
Right now we’ve got three combines in Montana yet cutting chickpeas and seven here in North Dakota cutting durum, field peas, lentils and canola. Our crew is full and it’s nice to have seven returning employees from last year. We do appreciate good loyal help to get us through. If anyone is interested in harvest employment in the future please apply online at www.SchemperHarvesting.com thanks!
It’s now August 24th and we’ll be moving back south in September to cut soybeans and pick corn. If anyone needs help harvesting this fall please call Schemper Harvesting at 308.991.7211.
I enjoy harvest and the days spent in the field. It’s right where I want to be. However, the moving days are the most nerve-racking with having all of the trucks and this big time equipment on the road. Safety is very important and being a courteous driver is too. Also, the fuel price is no good this year. Highway diesel was $5.68/gallon here today. It’s outrageous and wrecking this country. DEF is also a nuisance. It’s another expense and one more thing to carry and deal with daily.
Thank you to all the sponsors, customers, and employees. I wish it’d been a better year though for everyone. Also, thank you to the John Deere Harvest Support. They go above and beyond to take care of us when we call. I’ve always been loyal to John Deere. My dad and Uncle Lonny have been buying John Deere combines since the late 1980’s. I remember the 8820’s and 9500’s and all the John Deere headers. Now we’re into s7 800’s. I’m looking forward to harvesting here a few more weeks then getting into fall harvest. Thanks again to those that support the custom harvesting business!
