We have two tractors that pull diggers which dig the potatoes and put them into a truck. Our diggers do 4 rows at a time. It also separates the vines and dirt from the potatoes. We have 8 trucks that take the spuds from the field to the cellar. The truck driver stays close to the tractor so they can communicate a bit. Once the truck is full, he drives down to the scale house to weigh the spuds. I learned that the truck holds about 30,000 pounds of potatoes. The truck then backs up to the piler in the spud pit and a conveyor belt in the bottom of the truck empties the potatoes onto the piler. The piler piles the spuds in the pit. There is a crew of about 5 or 6 working the piler, pulling out stray vines and damaged spuds. In one day, our two tractors fill about 100 truck loads, which is about 40 or 50 acres.
I really enjoyed riding in the tractor with Mike. Addie loves riding in the trucks. She rode with her uncle a few times and with one of our other drivers. Leah wad happy anywhere there was dirt. My job was being the treat lady. Every afternoon I brought out candy bars and soda for everyone. I really enjoyed getting to know people. There are some drivers that have worked with us since Mike was teeny.
Spud harvest was great, even though I was really worried about it.
Next stop: a much needed family trip!
