Schiltz Harvesting was started by Jerry Schiltz in 1978. At 21 years of age, he started his business with two L2 Gleaner combines and two Chevy trucks. In 1991, he purchased two Case 1680 combines from Hoxie Implement. Jerry now owns three Case 2588 combines, six Peterbilt trucks, two Case tractors, and two 1000 bushel Avalanche grain carts. His son, Michael, operates an additional Case combine. Michael is foreman of the crew. Jerry is the boss!
Jerry grew up in the custom harvesting business. His dad, Harold, started custom cutting in 1951, and as soon as Jerry was old enough, he was operating a combine and truck. Back then, there was no shortage of help. Most of the high school boys couldn’t wait to go on such an adventure! Government regulations and the size of trucks and equipment have put an end to that. Almost everything about the business has changed since then. Some things are better while others aren't.
Paula didn't start going on the road with the crew until 1996. By then, both their boys were old enough to go with Jerry as crew members and their daughter was almost finished with high school. She cooks for the crew and is the 'emergency relief ' combine or tractor driver and full time 'go-fer'.
The harvest run starts in Vernon TX when the wheat ripens, usually around the 15th of May. From there it proceeds to Beaver OK in the Oklahoma Panhandle. It continues north to Selden KS, which is home. It is a short stay there and on to Anton CO. After finishing in Anton, the crew goes to Bison SD, unless time permits another stop in between. The last stop heading north is Scranton ND. When finished in ND, it is back to Selden KS. The remainder of the fall harvest is usually there.
Jerry and Paula both grew up in Selden. They have two sons, one daughter, a Golden Retriever named Buddy, and eight grandchildren who are the light of their life. Paula lost her Min Pin, Mercedes , of 14 years this winter. Harvest will not be the same without her.
Besides being devoted grandparents, they both enjoy fishing, hunting, and a winning trip to the casino once in a while. Their favorite pro football team is the KC Chiefs! They consider themselves the luckiest people in the world!
