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farm406 44 Its 7:30 a.m. when combine operator Sheri Strehlow performs daily maintenance checks while waiting for a green light to start harvesting in central Montana. "When it is as dry as it has been, sometimes we can start earlier in the day," said Strehlow of SJS Farms Inc., based in Loretto, Minn. "A lot of times we will cut well into the evening – depending on when the humidity sets in, which makes for some long days." Strehlow and her husband, Steve, purchased their custom harvesting business in 2006. They harvest a variety of crops from May to September with their family-based business. Their children, Trista, 12, and A.J., 13, also have jobs in the business. "My son drives a tractor and grain cart," said Strehlow, "and my daughter will do some of the cooking or come with me in the combine. They get paid wages just like the rest of the crew." When traveling, the crew looks like a convoy of four combines, tractors, grain carts and travel trailers. When Strehlow and her crew arrive to their destination, they set up camp in a campground and park their equipment. The Strehlows utilize many businesses during their three-week stay in Fort Benton, Mont., including Joyce Fuel & Feeds Inc., the grocery store and restaurants. "We usually order dinner at night and take it to the field so we can eat as a crew," said Strehlow. It's getting more difficult to do business on a handshake, as preferred by the Strehlows. "There aren't as many businesses that will let you run tabs or set up charge accounts anymore," said Strehlow. "We are very grateful to the Fort Benton businesses. They are still down to earth and trust us to pay off our accounts before we leave." Unlike many businesses, the Strehlows don't ask their customers to sign contracts for custom harvest services. "We just do our job on a handshake and hope we get invited back," said Strehlow. "We usually go back to the same farms every year, but we have no guaranteed work." This year has been harder than previous years to maintain acres to harvest due to adverse weather conditions and competition from other custom harvesters. "Everyone is hurting for work," said Strehlow. "There is drought in Montana, South Dakota and North Dakota." The wheat price is another factor. "The farmers are struggling with the wheat price being low, so they switch crops to something that is more MINNESOTA CUSTOM CUTTER SHARES PERSPECTIVE FROM COMBINE Montana Grain Harvest Looking Good, Cutter Says By Shannon Ruckman An employee watches while custom harvesters Sheri and Steve Strehlow work on a combine header. The Strehlows have harvested Montana crops for the past 11 years, in which harvest equipment technology has increased efficiency and accuracy. Photography By Eric Visocan

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