The Custom Harvesting Hustle: Starting and Growing a Business

Custom harvesting is a lifestyle, a business, and an essential part of the agricultural ecosystem—and few know it better than Frederick Harvesting & Trucking. What began as a small family operation with one combine and one truck has grown into a dynamic business that travels across multiple states each year, helping farmers bring in their crops efficiently and on time.

In this episode, we sit down with the Frederick family to talk about the realities of life on the harvest trail—the long days, the logistical puzzles, the tight-knit crew, and the powerful sense of purpose that comes from serving farmers across the Midwest. We dive into the evolution of their business, how technology and equipment upgrades have shaped the way they work, and what it takes to stay organized while moving across state lines with a full fleet.

More than that, we ask the Fredericks how someone new might get started in custom harvesting. What equipment do you need? How do you find clients? What skills are required? What are the biggest challenges and most rewarding parts of the job? Whether you're a young entrepreneur or a farm kid with a dream, this episode has the practical insights and motivational spark you’ve been looking for.

You’ll also hear about:

The benefits of hiring a harvest crew vs. owning your own equipment

The importance of crew culture and treating employees like family

How harvesters build lasting relationships with farmers over decades

The biggest surprises people don’t expect about the custom harvesting lifestyle

Tips for keeping machines running and staff energized during the heat of harvest

This episode is your backstage pass to one of agriculture’s most unique and mobile businesses.

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