Early harvests began in August
Published Saturday, August 16, 2008
Photo provided by Otter Tail County Historical Society
Threshing in Girard township, Otter Tail County, 1924.
One of the most exciting times on the farm in earlier days was the threshing run that usually started around Aug. 1.
A holiday atmosphere pervaded as neighbors came together in a spirit of cooperation and camaraderie to thresh the grain shocks that dotted the fields.
Threshing machines were expensive and complicated.
Few farmers could afford to own one, so the owner of the threshing rig would thresh for neighbors.
The threshing rig went into decline during World War II because of the manpower shortage.
With so many men in the armed forces, many rigs operated with skeleton crews.
Eventually they were replaced by the combine.
By 1950, most threshing machines were standing idle.
For additional information visit the agricultural exhibits at the Otter Tail County Historical Society, 1110 W. Lincoln Ave., Fergus Falls.
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