A golden field of corn shaped by time and terrain is nearly ready.

Deep inside the rows of corn, plants near maturity.

Equipment is readied for non-stop activity, which will begin soon.

The combine is inspected and maintained.

The combine is ready—excitement is in the air.

The equipment and crew are ready to begin.

Compressed air is used to clean all parts of the large combine.

Children are excited to participate in the annual harvest.

Hands-on experience for the next generation in this farm’s legacy.

Meals are often eaten while operating equipment.

A large combine breaks through the end of a field in dramatic fashion.

Harvest is a dirty and sometimes dangerous activity.

A combine transfers corn to a grain cart while moving continuously.

Waiting for the grain truck to be filled before taking to a bin for storage.

A load transfers into a waiting grain truck while the combine continues.

Larger farming operations use multiple trucks, so combines are not slowed.

On windy days, dust and debris fill the air.

The point when farmers start to feel confident their year has been successful.

Small communities all across the country depend on the success of farmers.

Equipment is often brought in from the fields to be inspected.

When harvest comes to an end, there is still the work of care to be done.

Stalks are bailed for use in bedding; the rest is plowed under to nourish the soil.