The Threshing Machine

The steam driven threshing machine revolutionized the harvesting of grain in Middle Border Country. The separating of grain from the straw was streamlined in a much faster method than older, cumbersome processses. The thresher and steam engine were portable and could be moved from field to field, eliminating the need to haul and stack the grain, like hay, in the farmer's yard or barn. 

Because of its efficiency, one threshing machine and steam tractor could do the work of several farmers and several fields in less time than working one field with horse drawn equipment. The farm wives also worked together to feed the crew. Lunch in the field at 10 AM, dinner at noon, lunch at 3 PM, and when working late supper at 6 PM, and lunch again at 8 PM. These were common practices as the threshing crew worked against time, rain, dew, and heat.

This turn-of-the-century improvement was one of many advancements that has made the American farmer, the most productive producer in the world. Next, rural electrification revolutionized farm life.