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For a select group of people here in Ireland, the American dream means going out to witness firsthand the large-scale farming enterprises and getting behind the wheel of some of the world’s largest and most modern agricultural machinery, which for most is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Over the past two weeks, you would have read about T&K Dairies and their 14 Claas Jaguar foragers and Demaray Harvesting who operate 11 new Case combines each year. This week, we take a look at the Irish people who are behind the steering wheel and ask them what it really is like to be out there living the American dream.
Age: 25
From: Gorey, Co Wexford
Number of seasons done: Seven
Why did you decide to come out to America?
When I finished school I wanted to travel so after Christmas that year I decided to travel to Australia on holiday for three months. During the three months, I decided I didn’t want to come home to Ireland so I looked at various options to allow me to earn money while still travelling and seeing the world. I knew a guy who had previously done the harvest with Demaray. He put me in contact with Tim and I came out for my first season in April of that year.
What was your job on the crew?
The first year I came out I operated the grain chasers and slowly learned more and more and progressed up the ranks within the company. I operated the grain chasers for two years, then moved on to the truck for one year, then spent four years operating the combines, three of which I also worked as the crew chief.
What does being a crew chief involve?
As a crew chief, I am the point of contact for the customer who we are doing the work for. I am responsible for anything between two and four combines, five to six trucks and one grain chaser. I have to make sure they are all kept maintained, working efficiently and safely.
I am responsible for all the employees on that crew and their performance. If there is a problem, it comes back on me so it’s quite a stressful job. I also look after the logistics of where the machines need to be, where the grain is going and where the next job is. This is vitally important in order to keep the operation running smoothly.
What are the hours and wages like?
On average, we will work 80 hours a week depending on the workload and weather. This starts on 1 April all the way up until 1 December. Employees are paid an hourly wage of $11.80 in Arizona and $13.80 in North and South Dakota. This changes because the department of labour sets the minimum wage in each state. Employees returning for a second or third season will benefit from an increase in their wages and have the opportunity to earn bonuses.
What is the best part of the job?
The machinery. Getting to see such a different scale of farming here compared to at home really opens your eyes to a bigger world of opportunity.
What is the worst part of the job?
I would have to say constantly travelling. This was great for the first year but it is hard to make friends when you are constantly moving. Your crew become your friends and family away from home.
What would you say to someone considering doing it?
It is the experience of a lifetime. You get a chance to travel and see farming on such a different scale before going home to Ireland to farm or work.
Age: 32
From: Clonmellon, Co Westmeath
Number of seasons done: One
Why did you decide to come out to America?
It was something I always wanted to do and thought about it for a number of years. I was chatting to a friend one night about it and we decided that if we didn’t do it now we would never do it. So I took the chance and came out on 18 April for my first season.
What is your job on the crew?
I drive a truck with the crew here. I worked with an agri contractor at home for years and drove trucks as well so it was an easy change once you get used to driving on the wrong side of the road.
I cover on average 850 to 1,000 miles every week hauling grain and moving machines.
What is the best part of the job?
I like all parts of it to be honest. I get to travel all over America and get paid for it. I love seeing new places and the big and beautiful machinery. I was worried about the living arrangements before I came out but they are actually very comfortable and similar to a house. The crew is great and for such a collection of different people from different walks of life we all get along like a big family and help and support each other.
What is the worst part of the job?
Being away from home. You will miss your friends and family although social media has made the world much smaller and it’s easier to keep in touch.
What would you say to someone considering doing it?
Don’t even think about it, just do it. If you have any thoughts of coming out here, book your ticket and get out here. You won’t regret it. The only regret I have is I didn’t do it sooner.
Age: 24
From: Westport, Co. Mayo
Number of seasons done: One
Why did you decide to come out to America?
I came out for a new experience. I have done the harvest in England for a few years and wanted to come out and experience it here in America. I am from a farming background and previously worked in Dairymaster for 10 months. After finishing my agricultural engineering degree in IT Tralee, I decided I wanted to see some of the world before coming home to settle down.
What is your job on the crew?
I drive a Case Magnum 315 tractor and 30t grain chaser. My responsibility is to keep the combines moving and their tanks empty. I run between the combines and once full to the headland where I unload the grain into the awaiting trucks. I also keep a record of the weights and record the fields and acres for the company’s record and billing system.
What is the best part of the job?
Getting to operate machinery on such a large scale, which is something I would never have got the chance to do at home in Ireland. I get to travel and see America and enjoy the lovely weather along the way.
What is the worst part of the job?
Living in such a close space with everyone. You have very little personal space, which takes some getting used to. The long hours can leave you with very little free time as well, depending on the weather.
What would you say to someone considering doing it?
If you are even thinking about it, just do it. I promise you won’t regret it, I personally intend to come back for another two or three seasons.
Age: 27
From: Mountbellew Co. Galway
Number of seasons done: One
Why did you decide to come out to America?
I wanted to do something different; I am a fitter by trade and fancied a change. I always wanted to experience the large-scale machinery over in America and earn money while doing it. The weather is much nicer than at home which makes the work a lot easier. You have the opportunity to earn good money provided you are willing to work hard.
What is your job on the crew?
I am a combine operator on the harvest. I drive a new Case 8240 Axial Flow combine with a 40ft head. I work as part of the crew along with sometimes three to four other combines to get the crop harvested before moving on to the next place.
What is the best part of the job?
The new machinery and the scale of it. Where else can you go and see 11 new combines work together in one crew? I love the lifestyle and weather; you can get up in the morning and go to work in a t-shirt no problem. It’s a great experience and great fun with all the guys on the crew; we are like one big family away from home.
What is the worst part of the job?
Being away from home and missing your friends and family is the hardest for me personally. I also find it hard to get used to not having your own transport to get around although the company does provide us with trucks to share so it’s not too bad.
What would you say to someone considering doing it?
Definitely do it, but make sure you have nothing to hold you back at home such as personal commitments or problems. Do up a CV, go for an interview and get on a plane – you won’t regret it.
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