After we learned about the reaper-binder equipment and process, our tour continue at the threshing. We came upon the field and saw the men working. They were tossing sheaves onto a belt. The sheaves went into the machine. Oats come out one shoot and straw came out the other.
When we first arrived, the thresher was being powered by this old steam tractor with really long belts. It was very cool to see.
But, the steam engine wasn’t able to move the belt fast enough to make the thresher work correctly.
They cleaned out the machine a couple of times.
Eventually, they hooked up this 1930’s gas powered Huber tractor.
Our wait while they were fixing the thresher made Sally really tired. She relaxed with Stephen and eventually napped on my shoulder. She was really sound asleep despite the noise from the threshing. She was even snoring.
After sitting on the wagon for about an hour and a half, we headed into the barn for an awesome Amish style meal. We were served family style. The menu consisted of chicken, mashed potatoes, stuffing, green beans, pie and ice cream. The meal was prepared by the Amish women and used many ingredients from the farm. Our day continued with workshops. I’ll be back tomorrow to tell you about them.