Remembering the 2013 Threshing Bee at Jack Creek Farms

On August 23, 2013, I took advantage of the opportunity to watch the Threshing Bee at Jack Creek Farms, about a mile west of me in Templeton. I had never seen wheat being harvested before, so I decided this was an opportunity not to be missed. I took some photos to share with anyone else who had never seen a wheat harvest. This is one of the machines that was at work harvesting the wheat.

Threshing Bee at Jack Creek Farms, 2013

Below is a close-up side view of what the combine harvester shown in the top photo does with the wheat. It rakes it in, cuts it, separates the wheat kernels from chafe, keeps the grain in the tank, and spits the rest out the back as waste.

Machine Harvesting Wheat at Jack Creek Farms, Close-up, © B. Radisavljevic

The video below shows a vintage harvester that was in use as long ago as 1947. I took this video as it was being used at the 2013 Threshing Bee.

There was also much more to see. On display were antique cares and trucks, vintage motors used around the farm, and threshing machines and tractors from previous eras. People watched and farmers stood around talking. 

Vintage Cars on Display at Jack Creek Farms 2013 Threshing Bee, © B. Radisavljevic

After the wheat was harvested and threshed, it was ready to sell in bulk by the bucket to customers. This 5-gallon bucket is being filled for a customer. Price was only $10 for very fresh white winter wheat. Such a shame we are a wheat-free family now.

Wheat for Sale at Jack Creek Farms 2013 Threshing Bee, © B. Radisavljevic

If you ever get an opportunity to attend the threshing bee at Jack Creek Farms,  I hope you will go and take your children. It will be enlightening for them to see where the flour in their bread and cookies comes from.