Great American Wheat Harvest

TMCO Sponsors Great American Wheat Harvest Film

Conrad — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 17:32:04 +0000

World-Renowned TMCO INC/National Manufacturing Sponsors Great American Wheat Harvest Documentary Film

Frederick, MD – June 4, 2013 – Conrad Weaver of ConjoStudios, LLC announces Total Manufacturing Company (TMCO INC) a of Lincoln, Neb., and its National Manufacturing equipment division, as a Silver Sponsor for the Great American Wheat Harvest
documentary film.

Established 1974, TMCO specializes in one-stop, concept-to-completion metal manufacturing services from any stage of design, fabrication, paint, assembly and makes parts for some of the world’s top pivot irrigation, weed control, seed planting and harvesting equipment companies. As a division of TMCO working directly with the United States Dept. of Agriculture (USDA), National Manufacturing, produces equipment utilized in the initial processing stages of wheat breeding, storage and milling, test baking and also in product development and quality control.

Conrad Weaver meets with Executives from TMCO

With its roots deep in the agriculture industry, TMCO and National Manufacturing work with wheat breeders, food research laboratories, universities and companies worldwide that all have direct links to the food supply chain,” says Weaver. “This association further helps our efforts to better connect consumers to those who produce their food as we share the stories of North
America’s wheat growers and custom harvesters.”

Dan Moore, director of operations of National Mfg., Division of TMCO Inc., says for companies that depend on consistency in taste, texture and appearance, and in high-quality wheat, the analysis machines produced at National Mfg., allow for continuous testing of every batch and the monitoring of any necessary correction. “Our equipment exemplifies how much the owners of TMCO, Roland Temme, Tony Marquez and John Albers, are dedicated to the grain and food industry, Moore says. “As soon as they
learned there was a documentary being made about the wheat harvest, they wanted to know how they could be of assistance.”

Since 1939, National Mfg., has been involved with all facets of the wheat industry and worked with the industry leaders who are committed to the challenge of investing all of their time, finances, equipment and hard work for as long as it takes to see the job to completion.

“This is a mindset TMCO INC is familiar with and the Great American Wheat Harvest is a true story that everyone should experience,” Moore says.

TMCO and National Manufacturing Company now join other Great American Wheat Harvest major sponsors including: John Deere, MacDon Industries, U.S. Custom Harvesters Inc., Association of Canadian Custom Harvesters, Oklahoma Wheat Commission, and
media partner, AgWired, an online media service at http://agwired.com.

For more information about sponsorship packages, media interviews, speaking appearances of the filmmaker and questions, contact Jody L. Lamp, GAWH National Executive Co-Coordinator, call (406) 698-9675 or by email at jody@greatamericanwheatharvest.com.

The Great American Wheat Harvest is the first film that TMCO INC has sponsored, but it’s not the first time TMCO has been in close proximity to the filming process. In 1983, the building that currently houses the National Mfg division of TMCO was used to shoot a few scenes for the Paramount Pictures film, Terms of Endearment winner of five Academy Awards®: Best Picture 1983; Best Actress—Shirley MacLaine; Best Supporting Actor—Jack Nicholson; Best Director and Best Screenplay Adaptation—James L. Brooks.

Harvest Crews Heading South

Conrad — Wed, 22 May 2013 14:25:23 +0000

Here’s an update on the progress of the movie project! Last week we spent time with Jim Deibert of Deibert Harvesting (JKD INC) and his crew as they made final preparations for their first trip south to Texas. The exciting part for us was to actually film their journey to Texas. Seeing 8 semi trucks and a couple of pickups all loaded with harvesting equipment was quite an experience. Unfortunately, we even had a couple of flat tires – but I guess when you have more than 150 tires on the road, you’re bound to have a flat or two. Overall it was a great experience, and we look forward to shooting more footage of harvest crews on the road. More importantly we can’t wait to actually see them in the fields harvesting wheat.

Next week we’ll be in Frederick, OK attending the Harvest Kickoff event sponsored by CASE IH. We’re looking forward to seeing many of the harvest crews at this annual event.

Filming in Nebraska

Conrad — Thu, 02 May 2013 12:48:58 +0000

Our documentary crew continued production today with the Zeorian Harvesting & Trucking crew just south of Omaha, Nebraska. We filmed at the garage where Jim has his trucks being serviced and worked on in order to be ready when the wheat is ready. We also shot footage of the girls at school and at home working on homework. Today we’ll wrap up production for now here in Omaha and begin the long trek home to Maryland. I’ll be back out to Kansas later in May to film harvest crews heading south to Texas, if there’s wheat to harvest. The late frost has killed a lot of wheat and there are areas where no wheat survived. Stay tuned, and be sure to share our updates with your friends!

Oklahoma Wheat Commission Supports Film

Conrad — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 14:39:38 +0000

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE:
Great American Wheat Harvest Documentary Film Receives State Support from Oklahoma Wheat Commission

Frederick, MD – April 25, 2013 – To help support the creation and educational purposes of the Great American Wheat Harvest documentary film, independent filmmaker, Conrad Weaver of ConjoStudios, LLC announces the Oklahoma Wheat Commission board has approved and appropriated funding to become one of the film’s executive sponsors.

Weaver received the announcement while filming during a wheat field day near Sentinel and Elk City, Okla.; and with U.S. Custom Harvesters Inc., board member, Dan Misener of Misener Family Harvesters. In 2012, the Great American Wheat Harvest received a letter of support toGreat American Wheat Harvest Documentary Film Receives State Support from Oklahoma Wheat Commission
endorse the film’s mission from the Oklahoma Wheat Commission.

“We are beyond humbled and grateful for the Oklahoma wheat producers who have invested their time and resources to help bring this film to the public,” Weaver says. “We look forward to welcoming even more wheat state commissions, businesses and interested individuals on board as they recognize the opportunity to collaborate on this international documentary film.”

The Oklahoma Wheat Commission now joins other Great American Wheat Harvest major sponsors including: Legacy Sponsor, John Deere; Platinum Sponsor, U.S. Custom Harvesters Inc., and Silver sponsors, MacDon Industries, Ltd., the Association of Canadian Custom Harvesters, and AgWired, an online media service.

Mike Schulte, executive director of the Oklahoma Wheat Commission, emphasizes the significance and critical timing of this film project to educate and inform the growing population about the importance and contribution of wheat producers and other agricultural industries to
the world’s food supply.

“No person takes more pride in being an environmental steward of the land than the American farmer,” Schulte says. “We believe the Great American Wheat Harvest documentary film will show the spirit, teamwork and dedication of our wheat farmers and harvesters and how they work together to bring food to our tables and take the utmost responsibility in caring for the land.”

In 1965, the Oklahoma Wheat Resources Act established the Oklahoma Wheat Commission to include a framework for Oklahoma wheat producers to invest in the promotion of their product, Hard Red Winter wheat. The commission is entirely producer-controlled and works closely with the Oklahoma State University Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resource researchers to ensure the future of Oklahoma wheat.

Schulte says Oklahoma ranks amongst the top five U.S. wheat producing states. Current state research includes, wheat breeding and genetics; end-use quality; production techniques; nonfood uses for wheat; nutrition consumer education and outreach; and utilization of wheat flours.

Harvest Preparations in Full Swing: Colby, KS

Conrad — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 04:18:31 +0000

After a full day of shooting, we’ve wrapped up our day of interviews and B-Roll at Deibert Harvesting (JKD INC). in Colby, KS. Jim and his crew are busy getting ready for their harvest run which will begin about the middle of May. This year, his crew consists of guys from Australia, New Zealand, England, Ireland, and Indiana. We shot interviews with most of these guys as well as Jim, his crew leaders: John and Turk.

We also had the opportunity to tour and visit with a grain terminal that handles millions of bushels of wheat that gets shipped to the ports. We were able to watch trucks unloading wheat and even rode the lift to the top of the elevator. Great views from up there! On Monday we hope to see a train getting loaded at this terminal.

Our crew is tired but happy as we’re wrapping up our first week of shooting harvest preparations. We’ll take the weekend off, then join the US Custom Harvesters for their annual safety meeting on Monday. Then we’ll head over to Omaha, NE to wrap up this trip with the Zeorian crew.

— in Colby, KS.

Wheat Field Day in Sentinel, OK

Conrad — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 00:15:02 +0000

We had a productive day today shooting video at a field day event just outside of Sentinel, OK. A wheat field day is when wheat farmers gather at a wheat variety test plot to check on the condition of varieties being tested by the Oklahoma State University Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. The research OSU provides is aimed at ensuring the future of Oklahoma wheat.

Specific areas of research include: Wheat breeding and genetics; end-use quality; production techniques; non-food uses for wheat; nutrition education of consumers; and utilization of wheat flours.

Many of the concerns farmers had today at the field day is the condition of the wheat after a couple of freezing conditions. With another night of 25 – 30 degree temps coming there is some concern that the wheat may be damaged and not produce a crop.

In spite of the very cold temps and windy conditions we survived the day and enjoyed getting to know more about the wheat conditions in this part of Oklahoma.

A special thanks to Mike Schulte from the OK Wheat Commission to arrange for us to attend and shoot footage at the field day.

We ended the day back at the home base of the Misener Family Harvesters where we shot some footage of Dan and Emma inspecting a combine. We were joined by Dave from SunUpTV, who shot interviews with Conrad and Dan for an upcoming episode of the show. It will be aired some time later this month and available on online at http://sunup.okstate.edu/

Arrived at Elk City, OK

Conrad — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 04:11:56 +0000

We just wrapped up the second day of our journey to film with custom harvest crews as they prepare for harvest. Today we traveled almost 600 miles from St. Louis, MO to Elk City, OK. Tonight we’re enjoying the fine hospitality of Misener Family Harvesters at their home base. When we arrived this afternoon, Dan showed us around their property and their incredible collection of antique John Deere tractors, most of them work too! We had a great time visiting with Dan, Emma, and Mom (Kristy) around the dinner table (YUM!), and then watched home videos and photographs of harvest experiences – so many great stories!! We can’t wait to shoot interviews with the Miseners tomorrow and Wednesday!!

Heading West as Harvest Prep Begins

Conrad — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 02:39:58 +0000

After more than 15 hours on the road we finally pulled into our hotel just west of St. Louis at 9PM CST. Our crew on this trip consists of Producer/Director, Conrad Weaver, and production assistants: Javin Mullet and Ryan Shirk. Tomorrow we’ll continue our westward trek and arrive at the Misener Family Harvester’s home base in Elk City, OK. Excited to be working on the film!!
We’re so glad for all of our sponsors, including: John Deere, US Custom Harvesters, MacDon, Association of Canadian Custom Harvesters, and many others. Watch this page for daily updates over the next two weeks as we shoot video of harvest preparations.

Custom Harvesters in Great American Wheat Harvest

Conrad — Sun, 10 Mar 2013 13:02:12 +0000

Originally posted on AgWired.com March 8, 2013 by Chuck Zimmerman

Let’s visit with a couple of U.S. Custom Harvesters leaders, Kent Braathen and Tracy Zeorian. I met them during AG CONNECT Expo earlier this year when a big announcement was made about the film documentary “The Great American Wheat Harvest.” The film is in production now with a hopeful release date of Ag Day in 2014. Tracy says that when she was first approached by film producer Conrad Weaver she was a little unsure where this would go. But she has learned that “He’s showing the story that we live and the heart of what we do.”

Kent who is the new President of U.S. Custom Harvesters says they’re very excited to be on board with this project since it will showcase what they are all about. He grew up in the business where like many custom harvesters, it’s a family affair. The film will help the public and folks in Washington, DC and local politics better understand the importance of their industry to the public. He encourages other organizations and companies to come on board and support the film.

Tracy has written a great blog post for Ag Day in which she details the evolution of the custom harvest industry. Here’s an excerpt.

The reputation of the custom harvest businesses has changed since the early days. When the industry was in its early years, crews were made up of only men. There were no trailer houses. The custom harvester camps had none of the luxuries of today. Men would sleep in partially filled grain trucks or under grain trucks, tents or barns. The men relied on farmers’ wives for food and often bathed in rivers and lakes.

Custom harvest businesses have evolved in the past 69 years. Combines are larger and headers are longer. The modern-day custom harvest crew is more than likely a family-owned business. They have modern RV’s with all the luxuries of home, including a shower AND washer/dryer. Some crews opt to stay in motels while on the road and eat in restaurants. Children have grown up helping, either at the trailer house or in the field. If they’re really lucky, they’ve experienced both. We still chase that ripening wheat from Texas to the Canadian border! Fall crops, such as corn, soybeans and sunflowers, keep some of these crews on the road for up to six months.

You can listen to my interview with Brent and Tracy here: Interview with Kent Braathen and Tracy Zeorian

The GREAT AMERICAN WHEAT HARVEST is a documentary film that will tell the story of hard-working custom harvesters who travel from the heart of Texas to the Canadian border harvesting the wheat that feeds our Great Country and the World. AgWired is a Silver Sponsor of the project.

AGWIRED FORMS PARTNERSHIP WITH FILMMAKER

Conrad — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 15:21:06 +0000

Originally published: http://www.agrimarketing.com/s/80651

AGWIRED FORMS PARTNERSHIP WITH GREAT AMERICAN WHEAT HARVEST FILMMAKER
Mar. 1, 2013

Source: ConjoStudios news release

Maryland-based independent filmmaker, Conrad Weaver of Conjo Studios,LLC announces a new media partnership with AgWired, an online media service at http://agwired.com, for the Great American Wheat Harvest documentary film.

Weaver says ZimmComm, which specializes in multi-media event coverage for companies and organizations within the agriculture and renewable energy industries,will help promote the films progress and activities as he captures the stories of North Americas wheat growers and custom harvesters for a Spring 2014 film debut.

He recently unveiled the films new trailer at the AgConnect Expo in Kansas City,Mo.,and launched the films production schedule at the John Deere Harvester Works in East Moline,Ill.

AgWired is owned and published by ZimmComm New Media, LLC. The parent company was founded in 2004 by Chuck and Cindy Zimmerman, with headquarters located near Pensacola, Fla. Both Zimmermans and Weaver are members of the National Agri-Marketing Association and National Association of Farm Broadcasting.

Follow the Great American Wheat Harvest film production at www.agwired.com. Make a financial contribution to the development and education of telling this vital story of North Americas agriculture by becoming a member of the NEW Producers Club at www.greatamericanwheatharvest.com. Digital files of the promo trailers are available upon request.

For more information about sponsorship packages, media interviews, speaking appearances of the filmmaker and questions, contact Jody L.Lamp, National Executive Co-Coordinator, at(406)698-9675or by email at jody@greatamericanwheatharvest.com.