Life On Custom Harvest: The World on the Wheat Run

Video Description

Life on Custom Harvest is now live—a documentary capturing the story of the men and women who take part in one of agriculture’s greatest adventures: the Custom Harvest trail across America. Each year, around 600 custom harvest crews set out on one of the largest harvest missions on Earth—bringing in the grain that feeds the world. Together with farmers, they embark on the legendary wheat run, spanning hundreds of miles across the American Midwest. The journey begins in the southern heat of Texas, where combines fire up and roll in unison across the golden fields. From there, crews follow the grain north, chasing the harvest all the way to the Canadian border. The Midwest alone produces over 53.6 million tons of wheat across 38.5 million acres—an immense task that demands relentless work and razor-sharp timing. By day, the machines roar across the fields; by night, the horizon glows with headlights as harvest continues non-stop against weather, distance, and time. The crews on Custom Harvest are more than just local farmers—they’re a mix of young men and women from across the United States and around the world. For many, it’s their first taste of life on the American harvest trail, made possible through programs like the Ohio International Intern Program (TOP) and Harvest Support USA/UK. Every year, the Ohio International Intern Program welcomes around 450 participants from across the globe. Of those, about 50 join custom harvest crews while another 50 gain experience on large-scale U.S. farms, learning firsthand the skills, pace, and culture of American agriculture. Meanwhile, Harvest Support USA/UK sends an additional 50 interns onto harvest crews each year, adding their own stories to the long road north. These programs don’t just place people on farms—they open the door to adventure, friendships, and lessons that last a lifetime. For many interns, Custom Harvest is the spark that builds confidence, shapes careers, and creates bonds that stretch across countries and generations. Custom Harvest isn’t just a job. It’s hard work, fast-paced days, and unforgettable nights. It’s learning new skills, discovering resilience, and forming lifelong friendships. For many, it’s a turning point—an experience that builds confidence, pride, and a deep connection to the land and people. As Jim Deibert of JKD Harvesting once said:“The bond you’ll create with your crew isn’t just a friendship, it’s like the brotherhood of the army—something that will last a lifetime. The real riches in life aren’t gold or silver, but the people you meet along the way.” Which I will always vouch I’ve never heard truer words from my experiences on harvest in 2022 This documentary reflects on those bonds and stories—past and present—and looks ahead to the future of custom harvesting. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped bring this project to life. A special thanks to Paul Hore and Harvest Support USA/UK for inviting me along as a photographer during the Harvest Cruz trip in June—without that journey, this project would never have begun. I am deeply grateful to Jim and DeAnn Deibert, who first gave me the opportunity to join harvest back in 2022. That experience was the spark that set me on this American adventure—one that continues to this day. And to John Beardmore, who has become a true friend since our first contact in 2021 about my Ohio Internship Experience. Without Jim, DeAnn, John and all the guys on the 2022 crew's support, my path in photography — both as a hobby and now as a side line — would never have taken shape. Featured in this film: Jim Deibert – JKD Harvesting Lee Wood – JKD Harvesting 2007 Josh Beckley – Beckley Harvesting Cobus De Bruin – Beckley Harvesting 2025 John Beardmore – Ohio State University Taff Hughes – Schippers Harvesting Paul Hore – Harvest Support USA/UK Matthew Hall – Baumgardner Harvesting 2025 Anna Frick – Paplow Harvesting 2024 Eleanor Gilbert – Paplow Harvesting 2025 Issy Lawrence – Paplow Harvesting 2025 David Pratt – University of Minnesota Joe Clark – JKD Harvesting 2022 Sam Donaldson – Frederick Harvesting The Custom Harvest Industry is also supported by US Custom Harvesters, Inc., founded in 1983 by Jim Deibert, Rick Farris, amongst others. Today, it continues to foster connections between farmers, harvesters, and policymakers, helping safeguard the future of this vital industry. For those who want to dive deeper, USCHI also runs the Custom Harvest Hype podcast, featuring real voices from the crews. Life on Custom Harvest is more than a film—it’s an invitation. To young farmers, it’s a call to chase your harvest dream. To those simply watching out of interest, it’s a glimpse into the grit, pride, and passion of the people who feed the world. Relevant Links supporting the video The Ohio International Intern Program (TOP) - https://oiip.osu.edu/ Harvest Support USA/UK - https://harvestsupport-usa-uk.com/ US Custom Harvesters Inc - https://www.uschi.com