Custom Harvest Hype

In this episode, Mandi and Monty Dunn dive into real-world experiences, current challenges, and the evolving landscape of the harvesting industry. The conversation covers what’s happening on the ground right now, lessons learned from recent seasons, and how operators are adapting to changing conditions.We also discuss the importance of community, shared knowledge, and staying ahead in a fast-moving environment. From practical insights to broader trends, this episode offers valuable perspective for anyone involved in or following the industry.Whether you're a seasoned professional or just getting started, there’s something here to take away—from efficiency tips to big-picture thinking about where things are headed next.Mandi also gives some USCHI member updates.https://www.facebook.com/uscustomharvesters/

In these short interviews, forage and grain harvesters share insights on the challenges and logistics of crop harvesting across multiple states, the impact of weather conditions, and the complexities of managing a large operation with a variety of workers and trucking logistics. Featuring interviews with forage and grain harvester Beau Froese, forage harvesters Sam Schippers, Mark Anderson, and Jon Orr; also grain harvester Mychal Neumiller. Mandi also gives some USCHI member updates.https://www.facebook.com/uscustomharvesters/

In this episode, Travis Dorn shares his journey from farming roots to grain harvesting, discusses the importance of safety and apprenticeship programs in agriculture, and offers insights into managing a family-run harvest operation. Discover practical tips for recruiting, training, and supporting harvest crews, along with personal stories of resilience and faith. Mandi also reminds the audience about upcoming safety days and the world of custom harvester regulations.https://www.facebook.com/uscustomharvesters/

Mandi updates us on where the board has been, regulations affecting harvesters, and upcoming safety events. Also join us as Seth Buxcel shares his journey from Montana ranching and engineering to running a successful chopping and manure application business. Discover insights into rural entrepreneurship, equipment management, and the importance of word-of-mouth growth in agriculture.https://www.tiktok.com/@us.custom.harvestershttps://www.facebook.com/uscustomharvesters/

Join us as we dive into an engaging conversation with Adam and Austin from Marsh McLennan Agency, dedicated to supporting and growing the custom harvesting community through tailored insurance solutions, safety initiatives, and meaningful relationships.The conversation highlights the value of face-to-face industry events and building trusted relationships.Learn about industry safety initiatives and the importance of ongoing training. https://www.tiktok.com/@us.custom.harvestershttps://www.facebook.com/uscustomharvesters/

In the heart of Kansas, Mike Parker has built a legacy in custom farming that spans generations. From humble beginnings on his family farm to becoming a key player in the agricultural community, Mike's story is a testament to hard work, dedication, and a passion for the land. Join us as we explore his journey, the challenges he faced, and the lessons he learned along the way. https://www.tiktok.com/@us.custom.harvestershttps://www.facebook.com/uscustomharvesters/

In the ever-evolving world of organizational leadership, the transition from member to advisor can feel like a leap into the unknown. In a recent podcast episode, Mandi engages in a candid conversation with David, a seasoned board member who shares his experiences and insights from years of service. From the challenges of stepping back to the joys of mentorship, their discussion offers a wealth of knowledge for current and future board members.https://www.tiktok.com/@us.custom.harvestershttps://www.facebook.com/uscustomharvesters/

Mandi interviews Taff Hughes, a seasoned agricultural professional originally from Wales, who shares his journey from rural UK to the heart of Kansas. Taff discusses his early life in Wales, his adventurous spirit that led him to the United States, and his experiences with various agricultural programs, including the J-1 visa. He reflects on his time working on farms in Ohio and New Mexico, highlighting the differences in climate and farming practices. Taff's passion for agriculture shines through as he recounts his transition from working as a foreman to starting his own crew, and eventually becoming involved in the board of a local agricultural association.https://www.tiktok.com/@us.custom.harvestershttps://www.facebook.com/uscustomharvesters/

In this engaging conversation, Mandi and Mychal discuss their experiences in the harvesting industry and family dynamics in business. Mychal shares his journey into harvesting, the challenges and rewards of running a family business, and his aspirations for future leadership roles. They also reflect on their experiences at conventions and trade shows, highlighting personal growth and the relationships built within the industry. The conversation concludes with plans for the future and the excitement of upcoming events.https://www.tiktok.com/@us.custom.harvestershttps://www.facebook.com/uscustomharvesters/

This interview is with Aubree and Rodney from the USCHI board. They discuss their first year-board experiences, the importance of current board work and the planning for the future. Mandi also takes us through a JCB factory tour and demo site via pics and videos.https://www.tiktok.com/@us.custom.harvestershttps://www.facebook.com/uscustomharvesters/

This conversation revolves around the experiences and insights of board members from the Custom Harvesters organization during their December meeting in Savannah, Georgia. They discuss their wheat harvest experiences, the importance of the JCB meeting, the challenges with non-domicile CDLs, and the planning for upcoming conventions and events. The conversation highlights labor shortages and the significance of collaboration within the agricultural community.https://www.tiktok.com/@us.custom.harvestershttps://www.facebook.com/uscustomharvesters/

Mandi updates us on the location of a few crews and how harvest is progressing. In the second episode of 2026 board candidate interviews, Mandi interviews Richard Wendland of Harvest Time Farms. Richard shares his journey in the agriculture industry, detailing his family's farming background, the evolution of his business, and the challenges faced in custom harvesting. He discusses the importance of cultural adaptation, the role of family in his operations, and his involvement with the US Custom Harvesters organization. Richard emphasizes the significance of building relationships with clients and adapting to the diverse agricultural practices across different regions.https://www.tiktok.com/@us.custom.harvestershttps://www.facebook.com/uscustomharvesters/

Mandi updates us on the location of a few crews and how harvest is progressing. In the first episode of 2026 board candidate interviews, Mandi interviews Preston Owen of Show-Me Harvesting. This conversation explores the unique dynamics of the harvesting industry, highlighting the competitive yet collaborative relationships among professionals. It emphasizes the sense of community and support that exists, contrasting it with more traditional competitive industries.https://www.tiktok.com/@us.custom.harvestershttps://www.facebook.com/uscustomharvesters/

Mandi updates listeners on where harvesters are at the moment and informs USCHI members about upcoming deadlines. In this conversation, Kristi Boswell shares her journey from growing up on a farm in Nebraska to becoming a prominent attorney and lobbyist in Washington, D.C. She discusses her work with the American Farm Bureau Federation and the USDA, focusing on agricultural policy and immigration issues. Kristi also opens up about her personal life, including her adoption journey and the joys of family life.https://www.tiktok.com/@us.custom.harvestershttps://www.facebook.com/uscustomharvesters/

Mandi updates listeners on where harvesters are at the moment and informs USCHI members about upcoming deadlines. In these conversations, Mandi interviews a few former USCHI scholarship winners - Michael Kraft, Zeb Hughes, Hunter Gallagher, and Lauren Slagell. They discuss growing up harvesting, their educational paths, challenges faced, and the future.https://www.tiktok.com/@us.custom.harvestershttps://www.facebook.com/uscustomharvesters/

Mandi updates listeners on where harvesters are at the moment and informs USCHI members of industry regulation updates. In this engaging conversation, Mandi interviews Dave Curley, president of AgriKing, about his journey in football coaching, his family's agricultural background, and the evolution of AgriKing. They discuss the importance of teamwork in sports, the challenges faced in coaching, and the company's commitment to feed efficiency and innovation in agriculture. Dave shares insights on work-life balance, employee loyalty, and the impact of family values on business operations, providing a comprehensive look at the intersection of sports and agriculture.https://www.tiktok.com/@us.custom.harvestershttps://www.facebook.com/uscustomharvesters/

Mandi gets us caught up on crews moving around the custom harvest world. In this podcast interview, Gary Dible shares his journey from growing up on a farm in Kansas to his current role as General Manager at Nebraska Harvest Center. He discusses his early experiences in agriculture, the importance of teamwork and integrity in the harvesting community, and the valuable life lessons learned throughout his career. Gary reflects on the connections made with fellow harvesters and the impact of those relationships on his personal and professional life. Mandi also gives some general updates from the US Custom Harvester association office.https://www.tiktok.com/@us.custom.harvestershttps://www.facebook.com/uscustomharvesters/

Mandi gets us caught up on crews moving around the custom harvest world. She interviews kids that have grown up on a few different crews to get their perspectives and future plans. Mandi also gives some general updates from the US Custom Harvester association office.https://www.tiktok.com/@us.custom.harvestershttps://www.facebook.com/uscustomharvesters/

Mandi gets us caught up on summer happenings from the custom harvest industry. She also attended the CLAAS reveal a few weeks ago. This podcast features the new Jaguar forage harvester walkaround and Lexion combine walkaround. Mandi also gives some general updates from the US Custom Harvester association office and a walk-through of the NEW uschi.com!https://www.tiktok.com/@us.custom.harvestershttps://www.facebook.com/uscustomharvesters/

Mandi interviews USCHI Board of Directors President, Paul Paplow. Paul discusses how the 2025 harvest season might go and what current legislative topics USCHI is focusing on this year. Also featuring general updates from the US Custom Harvester association office and a quick wheat-harvest-begins update from Mychal Neumiller, USCHI Board Secretary.https://www.tiktok.com/@us.custom.harvestershttps://www.facebook.com/uscustomharvesters/

Mandi interviews USCHI Associate member Jason Schiebout from Scherer Inc. Jason discusses the history of the company, from starting in a small machine shop to a large new facility. Also featuring general updates from the US Custom Harvester association office.https://www.tiktok.com/@us.custom.harvestershttps://www.facebook.com/uscustomharvesters/

Mandi interviews USCHI member Chadd Schmidt from Four Bar S. Chadd talks about life as a manure spreader and all that goes with it. Also featuring general updates from the US Custom Harvester association office.https://www.tiktok.com/@us.custom.harvestershttps://www.facebook.com/uscustomharvesters/

Mandi interviews Josh and Kailee Lennox who own 5L Custom Harvesting. Josh speaks about life in agriculture as a minority and he and Kailee speak about their custom harvesting journey. Also featuring general updates from the US Custom Harvester association office.https://www.facebook.com/uscustomharvesters/

Mandi interviews Sergeant Watson from the Nebraska Carrier Enforcement Division. Sgt. Watson attends our convention every year and goes over everything about inspecting and communicating with custom harvesters. Also featuring general updates from the US Custom Harvester association office.https://www.facebook.com/uscustomharvesters/

Mandi interviews Haley and Sydney, the 2025 USCHI convention interns. Also featuring general updates from the US Custom Harvester association office.https://www.facebook.com/uscustomharvesters/

Mandi, Operations Manager and host, interviews the 2025 USCHI board members. They discuss the past 2025 convention, DC meetings, NCAE, and more of what we've all been up to so far in 2025!https://www.facebook.com/uscustomharvesters/

Mandi, Operations Manager and host, interviews the USCHI board members that are presenters in the new safety videos. They discuss the upcoming convention, favorite customers, great employees, and their Super Bowl picks!https://www.facebook.com/uscustomharvesters/

Mandi interviews Ryan Graham, one of the 2025 board member candidates for the USCHI board of directors. Make sure to check out Season 1, Episode 4 (The Cotton Kings) AND Season 2, Episode 5 to learn about Brian Zimmerman, another board candidate! Also featuring general updates from the US Custom Harvester association office.https://www.facebook.com/uscustomharvesters/

Mandi interviews Aubree Thouvenel and Rodney Wolgemuth, two of the 2025 board member candidates for the USCHI board of directors. Also featuring general updates from the US Custom Harvester association office.https://www.facebook.com/uscustomharvesters/

Mandi interviews Jon Orr and Raph Jolliffe, the 2025 Vice President candidates for the USCHI board. Also featuring general updates from the US Custom Harvester association office.https://www.facebook.com/uscustomharvesters/

Mandi gives an update on the latest social media posts to comment on for the next episode. She interviews Brent from Krone about his interesting life moves and the future of forage!  Also featuring general updates from the US Custom Harvester association office.https://www.facebook.com/uscustomharvesters/

Mandi gives an update on the latest social media posts to comment on for the next episode. She interviews Jesse from Kansas and Art from Montana about their vastly different farms and their need for custom harvesters!  Also featuring general updates from the US Custom Harvester association office.https://www.facebook.com/uscustomharvesters/

Mandi gives an update on the latest grain and cotton harvest progress across the US. She interviews Levi from Minnesota and Tom from the UK about their season working on a harvest crew!  Also featuring general updates from the US Custom Harvester association office.https://www.facebook.com/uscustomharvesters/

Mandi gives an update on the latest Moving Monday post for harvester locations. She also gives an update on USCHI attendance at the FFA Convention and internships for USCHI. Mandi interviews Brad Friesen of Elmer's Manufacturing!  Also featuring general updates from the US Custom Harvester association office.https://www.facebook.com/uscustomharvesters/

Mandi gives an update on the latest Moving Monday post for harvester locations. She interviews Amber Cherney, a USCHI Scholarship recipient and now-owner of an accounting firm in Kansas!  Also featuring convention updates from the US Custom Harvester association office.https://www.facebook.com/uscustomharvesters/https://www.facebook.com/uscustomharvesters/

Mandi gives an update on the latest Moving Monday post for harvester locations. She interviews John Osterhaus, owner of Silver Streak Ag Services and President of Wisconsin Custom Operators!  Also featuring convention updates from the US Custom Harvester association office.https://www.facebook.com/uscustomharvesters/

Mandi gives a quick update on the current location of grain and forage harvests. She interviews Kelly Kravig, a retired employee of Case IH that held multiple job positions!  Also featuring updates from the US Custom Harvester association office.https://www.facebook.com/uscustomharvesters/

Mandi goes through the summer summaries of grain and forage harvests. She interviews Larry Preisser, a grain harvester from Kansas who has been custom harvesting for 54 years!  Also featuring updates from the US Custom Harvester association office.https://www.facebook.com/uscustomharvesters/

Mandi goes through location and travel updates for grain harvesters. She also interviews the fifth and final wife in a series, Tricia Schemper. Trish and her husband, JC, operate a generational grain harvesting business out of Nebraska!  Also featuring updates from the US Custom Harvester association office for members, including current road construction and upcoming events.https://www.facebook.com/uscustomharvesters/

Mandi goes through weather updates and interviews the fourth wife in a series, Lori Lemmenes. Lori and her husband, Roy, operate a forage business in Wisconsin!  Also featuring updates from the US Custom Harvester association office.https://www.facebook.com/uscustomharvesters/

Mandi goes through crop updates and interviews the third wife in a series, Sherry Zimmerman. Sherry is from south Texas. She met her husband Brian and not only fell in love with him, but farming and custom harvesting as well!  Also featuring updates from the US Custom Harvester association office.https://www.facebook.com/uscustomharvesters/

Mandi goes through social media post answers and interviews the second wife in a series, Karly Cherney. Karly grew up going on the harvest trail and knew she wanted to be a harvester from the beginning!  Also featuring updates from the US Custom Harvester association office.https://www.facebook.com/uscustomharvesters/

Mandi goes through social media post answers and interviews the first wife in a series, Christy Paplow. Christy grew up near Atlanta and married a grain harvester from Iowa/Minnesota.  Also featuring updates from the US Custom Harvester association office.https://www.facebook.com/uscustomharvesters/

Mandi goes through social media post answers and interviews Raph Jolliffe. Raph is a past USCHI President from Colorado and forage/grain harvester.  Also featuring updates from the US Custom Harvester association office.https://www.facebook.com/uscustomharvesters/

Mandi interviews Steve Cranston of Ness City, KS from S&S Trailer Sales. Also featuring segments about custom harvesters' fav snacks and places to harvest then updates from the US Custom Harvester association office.https://www.facebook.com/uscustomharvesters/

Part 2 of the Legends interviews: Featuring Greg Thurman of Oklahoma. Mandi also checks in on your favorite furry cab besties and reports on updates from the US Custom Harvester association office. https://www.facebook.com/uscustomharvesters/

 Part 1 of the Legends interviews: Featuring Rick Farris of Kansas. Mandi also checks in on everyone's Christmas favorites and reports on updates from the US Custom Harvester association office. https://www.facebook.com/uscustomharvesters/

Mandi interviews Mark Anderson from Nebraska and Jen, a former female harvest employee from Kansas. Mark explains how he finds employees.  Jen describes how she started on harvest and how it helped her future.  Also featuring updates from the US Custom Harvester association office.https://www.facebook.com/uscustomharvesters/

Mandi interviews Jeff Preisser from Kansas and Brian Zimmerman from Texas. Both are cotton harvesters, explaining the process of cotton stripping and picking. Also featuring segments about where harvesters are located and updates from the US Custom Harvester association office. To watch simple videos of what Jeff and Brian describe: 35 seconds in here  and a video on bale wrap here.https://www.facebook.com/uscustomharvesters/

Check in for the Where are you? and USCHI update segments along with an interview with a custom harvesting company that has been around for 25+ years. Learn how their daughters grew up on the trail and more!https://www.facebook.com/uscustomharvesters/