Combines scooped up a record crop, tractors with grain carts in tow loaded the precious soybeans into waiting trucks and an age-old South Dakota tradition unfolded at the Donnie and Phyllis Salmen farm, 17 miles southwest of Wessington Springs. Friends and neighbors made short work of the beans as they gathered for an old-fashioned harvest bee.

While Donnie has been battling cancer, the couple has been overwhelmed by the generosity of their neighbors during harvest time. “No, they’re not just good neighbors, they are super neighbors,” Donnie stated on Monday, October 26 while six combines (above) and six semi-trucks were making short work of the soybean crop.

The couple agreed it was “overwhelming to see them all come together for something like this,” Phyllis stated after 24 people arrived to work.

After dinner the crew headed out with sack lunches in hand to get the job done. The soybeans were most likely the best ever for the Salmens as they were running around 50 bushels per acre.

“It’s gratifying to live in a community like this,” Don said, filled with emotion and seated at the dining room table.

The couple will move to Hillcrest Heights in Wessington Springs for the winter, to be closer to medical care as Donnie continues his health battle.

But first, in a week or so, their neighbors and friends will come together again to harvest a really good corn crop.