McGinnis, J F 1985-07-22

J. F. McGinnis discusses his experiences in the custom combining business.

General Interview Information

Interviewee Name: J.F. McGinnis

Additional Parties Recorded: None

Date: July 22, 1985

Location: Lubbock, Texas

Interviewer: Richard Mason

Length: 1 hour 45 minutes

Abstract

Tape 1, Side 1: Background, Born: Plainview, Texas, Father’s job with Texas Land and Development Co., Irrigation wells (1928), Operation of pumps, Fuel, Parts supply, Enclosure, Casing, Open ditches, Crops watered, Heading maize, Wheat harvest, Methods, Mechanization, Grain harvest, Combines, Living conditions, Reasons for involvement, Season worked, People encountered, Differences, Living conditions, Farm equipment.

Tape 1, Side 2: Grain harvest (continued), Nebraska customers, Harvest cycle, Unloading into grain bins, Moisture content, Harvest cycle (again), Discussion of photographs, Massey-Harris combine, c. 1951, Changes wrought by hybrid sorghum, Discussion of photographs (again), Combines (again), Canvas versus auger, Taking in-laws on harvest, Prices charged for harvest, Hauling grain, Crew, Harvest run taken, Work schedule, Traveling, Hauling permits, Work schedule (again).

Tape 2, Side 1: McGinnis children working harvest, Adjusting machines for different crops, Changes in crops over years, More corn planted, Reasons, Yields of wheat, Input, Dry land production, Anton, Colorado, Grain harvest (again), Sorghum, Milo, Competition, Wages paid, Standards for hiring harvest crews, Bad wheat harvests, Gathering places for harvest workers, Origin of combiners, Wheat yields (1985), Operation of garage for farm implements, Income from custom combining, Purchase of combines, Photographs discussed (again).

Tape 2, Side 2: Photographs discussed (continued), Canvas headers versus auger headers (again), Equipment maintenance, Fuel cost, Weather problems.

Range Dates: 1920-1985

Bulk Dates: 1950-1985

Access Information

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