Watch The Great American Wheat Harvest

The Great American Wheat Harvest is a compelling documentary film directed by Conrad Weaver that takes viewers on a journey through the breadbasket of America. The film focuses on the stories of several hard-working harvest crews as they crisscross the Midwest during the summer months to reap the bountiful wheat harvest. The film starts with a brief history of wheat farming in America and how it has changed over the years. It then dives into the present-day reality of wheat farming, where a small but hardy group of men and women traverse thousands of miles and multiple states, from Texas to the Dakotas, to get the job done.

We meet Jim Deibert, a farmer from south-central Kansas who is the owner of one of the largest harvest fleets in the country. He's been in the business for over 30 years, and his family has been in the industry for over 100 years. He's accompanied by his high school friend, Daniel Misener, who serves as his right-hand man and helps him manage the fleet. Misener has a unique perspective on the industry, having spent time as a music producer in Los Angeles before returning to his roots to work for Deibert.

The film also introduces us to Tracy Zeorian, a female combine driver from Nebraska who is proud to carry on her family's tradition of wheat farming. She travels with her husband, two children, and their dog, and she's always up for a challenge. Zeorian is part of a small but growing group of female harvesters who are proving that women can be just as good as men when it comes to getting the job done.

Throughout the film, we follow these individuals and their crews as they tackle everything from mechanical failures and volatile weather conditions to homesickness and unexpected surprises. We witness the camaraderie and sense of family that develops among the harvesters, as they work together to overcome any obstacle that comes their way.

One of the highlights of the film is the breathtaking footage of the wheat fields and the combines in action. The film crew used drones to capture stunning aerial shots of the wheat fields, providing a bird's eye view of the sheer magnitude of this industry. The film also has captivating ground-level shots, which give viewers a sense of the hard work and dedication that goes into these long days.

The documentary also touches on the challenges facing the industry, such as government regulations, low crop prices, and a shortage of skilled workers. The film raises important questions about the future of wheat farming in America and what needs to be done to ensure that it continues to thrive.

Overall, The Great American Wheat Harvest is an inspiring and heartwarming film that sheds light on a little-known industry and the hard-working individuals who keep it going. It's a tribute to the American spirit of perseverance, hard work, and determination, and a celebration of the beauty and bounty of the American heartland.

The Great American Wheat Harvest is a 2014 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 5 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.8.