Threshing, traditionally the biggest yearly farming activity, will be demonstrated for a two-week period at Utah State University's Jensen Living Historical Farm.
The farm's 1911 Case steam engine provides the power for the thresher and fires up July 29. Demonstrations continue through Aug. 5.The Jensen Living Historical Farm, operated by Utah State University, is six miles southwest of Logan on U.S. 89-91. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday.
Admission to the farm is $10 per family, $4 for adults, $3 for senior citizens and students, and $1 for children. For more information, call 245-4064.
Workers at the Jensen Farm say that threshing is "the most exciting event of the year - the activity itself and the historical context make it very significant, especially for the Cache Valley area."
Farm foreman Carl Camp says this busy time of the year is among his favorite. And, in 1917, the year replicated at the Jensen Farm, threshing was among the biggest social occasions of the season. Work crews arrived at the farm and women prepared large, hearty and extensive meals.
Preparations for threshing began some time ago, and can be traced to spring planting, when the farm's barley crop went in, Camp said. Barley is a traditional crop for sites like the Jensen Farm, since the grain is used by the dairy cattle. The crop has been harvested, using the binder.
After the grain is harvested and bound, it is ready for threshing. With the steam engine providing power, the grain is loaded onto belts which travel to the threshing machine, which in turn, separates the grain from the stalk.
Those visiting the farm during threshing activities may participate in some of the work, Camp continued. Loading the bundles of grain onto the conveyer belt is a popular activity for visitors.
This year, visitors may also purchase small bags of the farm's threshed grain. These souvenir bags are available at the farm site.