Harvester

Regular Membership (voting membership) is available to United States based owners who are U.S. Citizens, or lawful United States Based Residents, who lawfully own an interest in a U.S. based custom harvesting business. Annual dues of $245.

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Associate

Businesses that produce products or services for the custom harvesting industry. These members may choose to advertise to custom harvester members via a variety of outlets or attend the annual convention as vendors. Annual dues of $200.

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Lifetime Harvester

A regular member that chooses to buy a lifetime membership instead of paying annual dues. This membership does not transfer to anyone. Lifetime fee is $1950.

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Non-US Harvester

Harvest crew owners who are not United States Citizens, but who are directly engaged in the custom harvesting business. Annual dues of $274.

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Retired

A former custom harvest crew owner that is no longer engaged in the business, but would still like to stay updated with industry happenings. Annual dues of $150.

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Complimentary

Those outside of the custom harvesting industry who wish to receive the monthly magazine Harvest News. Please use the Contact Form if you are interested in a Complimentary Membership

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FAQ

Common questions.

What is custom harvesting?

A custom harvester is someone who harvests crops for an individual farmer or business. USCHI is proud to have both grain and forage harvesters as part of our organization. When a farmer does not have the time or is unable to invest in such large equipment, he/she uses the services of a custom harvester.

Do I need experience to join a crew?

Not necessarily! Working on a harvest crew can teach you to operate a variety of equipment, including tractor, combine, and chopper. If needed, some crews may also help you obtain your CDL so that you may drive a truck. Being part of a team is also something each employee learns. Employees live and work in close quarters, so being able to get along with others is a desirable trait. Custom harvest crew owners also teach responsibility, work ethic, and basic life duties. Pay is different for each crew and determined by experience and continued work ethic.

How long is the harvest season?

As far as a timeline, grain crews usually leave to travel south in May. They head north as the wheat crop ripens, ending up in Montana/North Dakota around September. Many then harvest fall crops throughout the Midwest as well. Most grain crews live in campers or RVs. Forage crews can begin work as early as March. The difference between a grain and forage crew is that, a forage crew can work 2-3 weeks in one place at a time. Some crews stay in hotels, while others also stay in campers or RVs. Forage crews work all over the U.S. We also have members that have manure application crews. They usually stay within a region. Cotton crews can begin in south Texas in July and work their way up to Kansas in October.

How much does USCHI membership cost?

Regular harvester memberships are $245 per year and lifetime dues for a current US harvester are $1950. Non-US harvester dues are $274. Retired memberships are $150. Associate members/vendor dues are $150. All memberships, except Lifetime, end on December 31 each year.

How do I find a harvester for my farm?

Call or email our office! 620.200.1381 or [email protected]

Why USCHI

Working hard to keep America fed.

For Farmers & Producers

Need a harvest crew? We'll help you find one.

Membership with USCHI offers direct job leads through our office communication system and a public directory listing to help farmers find your crew. We provide professional advocacy through dedicated lobbying in Washington D.C. while fostering vital networking opportunities at our annual convention.

To find a crew: