During the preceeding weeks, mechanics work long hours overhauling combines, tractors, and trucks. Food flies off grocers' shelves as farmers stock up on supplies. Local teenagers take jobs with area farmers and elevators. Excitement builds as townspeople gather at cafes to discuss the wheat's ripeness and the weather forecast. Most equipment supply stores extend their hours so farmers can buy parts to fix broken machines.
Employees work from dawn to dusk with only occasional breaks.
Although combines often can't enter fields until 11 a.m. because of morning dew, there is plenty of work to be done early in the day. Farmers check oil, water levels, and tire pressure. They add fuel, grease the combines, and make repairs. Phill Martin, Great Bend, 1998. When Dad gets the grumpiest.