Schwanke Harvesting has traveled the high plains for seven decades.
Founded in 1947 by H.J. Schwanke. His first customer was John Kramer
at Loyal, Oklahoma. H.J. harvested until his passing in 1985. His oldest son,
Randall, who was his partner at that time, took the reins and has led the
company since.
Randall still works for John's son, R.D., and grand son, Rod, to this day.
This year will be the 60th harvest for the Schwanke's at the Kramer's farm.
Starting in mid to late May in Oklahoma and following the ripening wheat
north through Kansas, Colorado and ending up in Montana in August.
Schwanke Harvesting then returns home to their base in Scott City, Kansas
where they harvest corn and milo.
Randall's mother, Lois, still does the families accounting from an office in
Scott City. Randall's wife, Nancy, accompanies us and provides home cooked
eals and acts as a den mother for the crew. This is not a job but a legacy
where the customers are more than friends.
