After his father’s passing and an unfortunate situation regarding his custom sprayers, Scott Osler received the help of many neighbors harvesting 327 acres of wheat. Nobody wanted to be recognized, they simply wanted to help a community member in need.
Community combines forces to help neighbor in need
In the tradition of Perkins County’s farmers, the community of Elsie banded together Saturday, July 10 to help Scott Osler harvest his wheat when he was going through a difficult time, both in life and in the fields.
Earlier in the week, July 5, Scott’s father John passed away at 94 years of age. According to James Harms, a close friend and neighbor of Scott for 40 years, John was a man who selflessly and quietly gave to others.
John was the caretaker of the Blanche cemetery, and according to his obituary he had “a great love of history.” Scott said his father was a builder, and his mission in life was to leave things better than when he found them.
On Monday, July 12, John was buried in the Blanche Cemetery where he spent much of his time in life.
That same week, Scott learned his custom wheat harvesters would not be able to harvest his wheat crop this year, as they were caught up in a big job in Colby, Kansas.
“They weren’t going to be able to get here when my wheat was ready,” Scott said.
Within just a couple of days, Scott said Harms had helped him gather a crew of people to help harvest the crop. Harms estimates around 30 people came to help out in whatever way they could.
Six combines, three grain carts and 10 semis were gathered, and lunches were put together for anyone who came to offer their help.
The combines rolled into the fields at around 10 a.m. and the crew had finished harvesting within about six hours, Harms estimates.
When they finished, they had covered 327 acres of land.
“I love where we live that no one was thinking of themselves,” Harms said.
To read the full story, subscribe by calling the Tribune at 308-352-4311 or sign up for an e-edition by clicking here.