Vintage harvest near Denzil raises funds for three food banks
Story and Photos by Joan Janzen
DENZIL – Sunny skies and perfect harvest weather were the perfect backdrop for the antique threshing demonstration at Greg Rissling's farm three miles south of Denzil. Even the good old Saskatchewan wind was agreeable, blowing dust away from the spectators.
Wave from the old guard. Spectators wave as a John Deere 830 Diesel pulls a wagonload of riders past during the antique threshing demonstration at Greg Rissling's farm south of Denzil. Photo by Joan Janzen
Seventy-five years young. Greg Rissling's 1950 John Deere combine works through the wheat south of Denzil, taking about twelve hours to harvest five acres. Photo by Joan Janzen
Worth the wait. A wagon of freshly combined wheat, part of a crop that topped 80 bushels an acre, with proceeds going to the Luseland, Denzil and Macklin food banks. Photo by Joan Janzen
Hands-on history. A spectator gathers a handful of straw from the swath during the demonstration. Photo by Joan Janzen
Next generation aboard. Young riders wait for a wagon ride at the Rissling farm. Photo by Joan Janzen
"It was a good day," Greg said on Sunday, September 20. "At least 45 people came to watch by the end of the day. They came and went, had a ride and visited. It was a fun day."
What wasn't quite as much fun was the breakdown Greg had while beginning to harvest on Saturday with his 1951 John Deere tractor and 1950 John Deere combine.
"No parts are available. We just have to manufacture the parts," he explained. "It wasn't a big part. It just wore right out. We greased it and away we went." Besides having the combine plug up a couple of times on Sunday, the harvest operation went quite smoothly.
Greg has eleven antique tractors and chose three to use on the weekend. "I have a problem with addiction with antiques. My dad got me started," he reasoned.
Greg needed to get an early start harvesting on Saturday since it took approximately twelve hours to combine five acres using his antique equipment.
He waved his hand at the surrounding farmland and said, "And think of all this farmland that produced crops years ago. If you had a full quarter, you would be there for a while. You gotta appreciate the guys back in the 1950s. They were probably tougher and younger."
The slow process helps explain why a century ago the prairie landscape was spotted with small mixed farms just a few miles apart.
The older senior crowd arrived on a bus from Macklin and enjoyed watching the threshing, checking out the equipment, and reminiscing while enjoying snacks and beverages.
Donations collected at the beverage and snack table amounted to $1,348.35, and the Bunge grain facility in Luseland will match the amount coming in from the crop.
"The wheat crop went over 80 bushels an acre! That's darn amazing!" Greg reported. The crop had 14.1 percent protein and exceeded last year's crop, which came in at 70 bushels per acre. The proceeds from this fundraiser will be evenly distributed among the Luseland, Denzil and Macklin food banks.
Greg appreciates all the people who donated funds, as well as the Kohlman brothers, who seeded and sprayed the crop, and his brothers Murray and Pat, who helped with the combining.