Rural Harvey County Wheat Harvest Scene – ca. 1895 photo. With many farms being 160 acres or more in size, no single farmer was able to get a crop harvested unless a sizeable crew was available—either through cooperative neighbors or hired help. Even with a large group working together, wheat harvest was labor-intensive and involved long days. Shocks (bundles) from the hay stack were pitched into the threshing machine. By using a steam engine for power, the threshing machine loosened the wheat kernel from the husks and straw to which it was attached. Photo source: HCHM Collection