Wheat harvest rolled into high gear last weekend, and by Sunday combines could be seen running in fields across the area. Northwest of Hennessey, however, one operator stood out from the crowd. Eleven-year-old Archer Huntsberger was hard at work behind the wheel of his own combine.
Archer, the son of Wayne and Amy Huntsberger, was harvesting wheat Sunday afternoon on the family farm northwest of Hennessey. While most kids his age are enjoying summer break, Archer was busy bringing in the family’s crop.
A few years ago, family friend Brent Hajek purchased a new combine and gifted his 1981 International 1480 combine to Archer. The machine may be about 45 years old, but it has found a new life with its young owner. This is Archer’s second harvest season operating the combine.
According to his father, Wayne, the aging machine comes with its share of challenges. “It has normal 45-year-old combine issues,” Wayne said with a laugh. “But the air conditioning is cold, and it’s getting the job done.”
Amy Huntsberger said her son takes great pride in caring for the combine.
“He works on it himself,” she said. “During the off-season, he’ll start it up every month and make sure everything is ready to go for harvest.”
While Archer handles the cutting, Wayne stays busy driving the grain cart tractor, hauling wheat, changing tires, performing maintenance, and tackling whatever repairs harvest season throws their way.
Sunday marked the family’s first day in the field this year after several rain delays pushed harvest back. “Archer wanted to start sooner,” Wayne said. “But the weather had other plans.”
The young farmer has already shown a willingness to give back. Last year, after heavy rains delayed Brent Hajek’s harvest, Archer loaded up his combine and headed to Ames to help bring in Hajek’s wheat crop.
In a farming community where helping neighbors is a way of life, Archer’s willingness to lend a hand proved that hard work and generosity can start at a young age.
Cutline:
Eleven-year-old Archer Huntsberger harvests wheat in his 1981 International 1480 combine Sunday afternoon northwest of Hennessey. Photos by AAH Jack Quirk
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