My team made this clip from a film for TV back in the 1980s. It was part of a series for Turner Broadcasting called Portraits Of America. The series style fit my style - not to attack people but to honor the best of who they were. Ted Turner told me that Kansas was “boring” before the job began. My team and I found that people fascinating & I am proud of the script written and the narration read by Hal Holbrook.
Kansas is unique. It has a history of resilience. Whether it's dealing with tornadoes, surviving the Dust Bowl in the 1930s or enduring economic downturns tied to the farming and oil industries, Kansans have repeatedly shown their ability to adapt and thrive.
the whole Kansas film—— https://youtu.be/hJxxG3bMIrE
The wheat harvest in Kansas is more than just an agricultural process—it's a deeply rooted cultural tradition and an exciting time of the year for farming communities. Known as the “Wheat State”, Kansas is one of the leading producers of wheat in the United States, and the harvest is a defining moment in its yearly rhythm.
The Kansas wheat harvest typically takes place in June and early July, depending on the weather and the region of the state. Southern Kansas often begins first, with the golden wave of harvest moving northward. Fields turn from lush green to a rich, sun-kissed gold—a signal to farmers that it's time to bring in the crop.
As the wheat ripens, the air is thick with anticipation. Farmers closely monitor the weather, as rain or storms can devastate a ready-to-harvest crop. The entire community feels the excitement, with equipment being prepped, combines tested, and grain elevators ready to receive the influx of wheat.
Children and families are involved too, lending a hand or simply soaking in the energy of the season. Many farmers call it a “race against time,” balancing the need for swift action with the precision required to get the best yield.
When harvest begins, it feels like a celebration. The scene is vibrant:
• Combines roar through fields, slicing through the wheat with mechanical efficiency, their golden chaff flying into the air.
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• Grain trucks rumble down dusty roads, hauling loads to local grain elevators or silos.
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• The smell of freshly cut wheat fills the air, a distinctive and earthy aroma that farmers say signals success.
There's a palpable energy in the community as everyone bands together—families work alongside neighbors, and even the youngest children often ride in the combines, sharing in the experience. Meals are brought out to the fields—hearty dinners of sandwiches, fried chicken, and pies—served on the tailgates of trucks or beside the rows of harvested wheat.
The Kansas wheat harvest is not just about the crop; it’s about identity and heritage. For many farmers, this is the culmination of a year of hard work, planning, and hope. As the sun sets over the plains, farmers take a moment to pause, looking out over their fields with pride. It’s a time of gratitude, camaraderie, and connection to the land.
Harvest season often brings festivals and events in smaller Kansas towns, celebrating the bounty. Parades, fairs, and local gatherings are common, with wheat-themed decorations and contests. These events honor the hard work of farmers and the importance of agriculture to the Kansas economy.
The wheat harvest is more than just a job; it’s a time when tradition meets modern technology, and when communities come together to celebrate a shared way of life. For those who live it, there’s nothing quite like the excitement of harvest time in Kansas.