It's late July which means it's time to harvest wheat on the farm. While we're still waiting for the corn to ripen, we'd thought we'd share some pictures of the harvest with you!

Grandpa Empkie and Uncle Brian had some special guest helpers in Anna and Charlie! They were very impressed with the machinery and eager to work - it was great to see the process through their eyes.

The first step is for the combine to thresh the wheat; cutting down the wheat and separating the grain from the head and stem (which is straw).

Grandma Empkie and Charlie watch the progress of the combine.

Anna was thrilled to ride along with Grandpa and help "drive" the combine!

Once the combine is full, the wheat is transferred through the auger into the grain cart which is pulled by the tractor.

The tractor is then driven over to transfer the wheat into the truck and grain cart to be driven into town. The grain is taken to the elevator where is sold and eventually makes its way to the mill, then to the bakers to become food we eat - bread, flour, bagels, and (according to the 3 year old Anna) the most important things - ice cream cones and cookies!

The grandchildren are here on the farm this week to "help" with the wheat harvest and vegetable picking! They're hoping to get some sweet corn too! We picked a green pepper last night and promptly used it in our sloppy joes for dinner - now that's fresh!!

Anna and Charlie's first job was to help Grandma check the progress of the sweet corn 😀

The corn isn't quite ready yet, but this hot weather is helping it along!

We'll continue to post updates here and on our Facebook page!