Harvest USA Report

HUSA Sep 24 2025 - Dale Thacker 24.09.2025 2:00 ↓

Thacker has developed a proprietary design for distillation vessels that are more efficient than older technologies. These new systems use insulated tubs and lower pressure steam to reduce thermal degradation and energy use. The modern method cuts cook times significantly compared to the older "yellow tubs" and allows for more effective steam utilization. The distillation process involves filling...

HUSA Sep 23 2025 - Dale Thacker 23.09.2025 2:00 ↓

Dale Thacker, a distillation expert, has been cultivating exotic crops such as peppermint, spearmint, and dill in Alberta for over 40 years. The mint industry in the area began in the late 1980s, followed by dill cultivation for essential oils used in the pickle industry. Thacker has also experimented with other crops like basils and tarragon but has focused primarily on mint and dill. The harvest...

HUSA Sep 22 2025 - Dave Hermesch 22.09.2025 2:00 ↓

Dave Hermesch, a farmer in southeast Tulsa, discusses current challenges on his farm. His soybeans, which were planted later than usual, are suffering due to insufficient rainfall and require both rain and heat to develop properly. Hermesch notes variability in crop quality, with some soybean fields looking promising while others have poor germination despite replanting efforts. He also operates f...

HUSA Aug 20 2025 20.08.2025 2:00 ↓

David Woodruff with custom harvester from Colby Kansas, Shorty Kulhanek