Farm406

45 farm406 profitable," explained Strehlow. "So we have to be able to cut a variety of crops, like flax, lentils, canola, mustard and chick peas, in addition to wheat." The Strehlows have different equipment for different crop types. They use flex headers, stripper headers, pickup headers and straight headers. Some of the equipment travels with the crew, but other equipment is stored in different states to meet the needs of their customers. "We usually start in May in Oklahoma because we have to plant our own crops in Minnesota before we can leave," Strehlow explained. "Most custom harvesters start in south Texas." The Strehlow crew works from Oklahoma to Kansas, then to Colorado and Montana, then to North Dakota and South Dakota. "This year we will split our crew in South Dakota. Half will go on to Canada and half will go home so we can harvest our own crops," said Strehlow. "We haven't been to Canada in six years, but we are down on our acres." Despite the droughty conditions, Strehlow said Montana's wheat crops have been of really good quality this year. "We were expecting to hear of more losses than we have," she said. "One of our farmers has had the best crop we have ever cut here. The winter wheat is looking very nice." Other states have had mixed results. "Colorado harvest was okay but not as good as last year," said Strehlow. "Oklahoma had some drought so they grazed more of their wheat so it was thinner. In Kansas, we cut in an area that received 20 feet of snow in late May, so we had to get our stripper headers because the wheat was lying on the ground." South Dakota has suffered a severe drought this year, and Strehlow said she heard the farmers "zeroed out" their crops. "I am not sure if there will be any corn to cut when we get there," she said. "We usually cut corn and beans in South Dakota." The Strehlows have about one week left in Montana. "We stay in Montana the longest," she said. "We have had a green out on spring wheat so we sat for three days and worked on equipment. Two of our combines are cutting chickpeas and waiting to cut beans. We still have flax and 800 acres of spring wheat to do." Strehlow said she hopes the crew can stay in Fort Benton long enough to attend the Chouteau County Fair. "Over the years we have made friends here, and we'd like to see our friends outside of work," said Strehlow. "Our kids really enjoy the fair, as well." Fort Benton-area farmer William Good (top) funnels grain in a bin after harvest in mid-August while another farm hand steadies the auger going to the grain bin. Montana's winter wheat harvest beat the heat this year with very good yields and quality, whereas the spring wheat wasn't as lucky according to Monte Fauque, United Grain elevator manager in Conrad, Mont.

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