HUSA Jun 11 2026 - Sarah Nicholson

Sarah Nicholson, part of Damron Farms and Harvesting, shares her journey of returning to the custom wheat harvesting tradition after a 12-year hiatus. Her father, Jack Damron, established the family business in Sayre, Oklahoma over four decades ago, running it for 38 years. Though they hadn't been on the wheat harvest run for over a decade, the urge to revive this tradition led Sarah and her brother to acquire a combine trailer and venture back into harvesting, securing a 1,000-acre job in Colorado. They find satisfaction and financial viability with a simple setup—two combines, a grain cart, and a minimal crew, often including family members. Impact and Collaboration in Harvesting The revival of the harvesting tradition holds personal significance, extending to younger family members who join the effort and grow through the experience. Sarah shares how the harvesting runs instill work ethic and initiative in her children, reflecting on the transformative nature of the hands-on work. Despite challenges such as balancing the main farming occupation with custom harvesting and external uncertainties like climate conditions, the family is motivated by nostalgia and a love for the lifestyle. Collaboration among family members and the shared goal of efficient operation with limited overhead underscores their continued passion for harvesting. Media Engagement and Community Outreach Sarah Nicholson's engagement with platforms like Facebook to promote their services emphasizes the importance of community outreach and adaptation to modern communication channels in rural businesses. Hale Broadcasting's Harvest USA report supports such enterprises by providing a platform for voices in the harvesting industry, highlighting the importance of representation for women and small-scale operators. This initiative aims to bring positive visibility to diverse perspectives within the agricultural sector, acknowledging the role of family dynamics and passion in sustaining traditional practices.