It’s incredible to see how many tomatoes you’re able to gather in such a short time. I was raised on a farm back in the 1950s and ’60s, where we milked cows and planted corn, wheat, oats, hay, and plenty of tomatoes. On the bigger farms, migrant workers often harvested the tomatoes by hand, while smaller operations paid local pickers about 13 cents per bushel basket. I still remember working in a particularly productive field and, at around fourteen years old, finally surpassing 100 bushels in a single day.

When the tomato plants were newly set, we spent hours hoeing weeds by hand until they were strong enough for us to bring out the Farmall C tractor to cultivate between the rows. I’m 73 now, and although the years have passed, I still grab my hoe to clear weeds from my flower beds—especially when the soil turns rock-hard from a dry spell. I really enjoyed this video. Even though modern harvesting isn’t quite as physically punishing as it once was, it remains demanding, messy, and exhausting work.

The teamwork and timing involved in bringing in a crop like that is truly impressive. The women operating the tractors are wonderful—skilled, poised, and full of confidence.

Watching this makes me respect farmers even more for dedicating themselves to work that many of us wouldn’t choose to do. Sincere thanks to all of you who nourish the world through your dedication and effort.