After months of anticipation and meticulous preparation, the 2025 soybean harvest season opened with more than a few bumps in the row for Midwest grower Kyle Stackhouse. From low batteries and leaky tires to a harrowing engine fire, the first two days in the field proved that even with the best plans in place, harvest can throw real curveballs.

"We were beginning to wonder if harvest was ever going to start," Stackhouse shared. The team had spent weeks tackling small maintenance projects and waiting for ideal crop conditions. When they finally greenlit harvest midweek, trouble came quickly.

On what Stackhouse jokingly called the "trial run," a cascade of technical glitches slowed progress: an unfueled combine, a flat head cart tire, and a dead grain cart tractor battery. Mechanical adjustments were needed right off the bat, and communication issues with CB radios only added to the confusion. Despite the rocky start, they managed to harvest a few test loads.

The real harvest kickoff came Thursday, with strong soybean yields and long hours in the cab-until disaster struck just after 6:30 p.m.

"I turned at the end of the field and headed the other way. I could instantly smell smoke," Stackhouse recalled. "I hoped a neighbor was burning something, but no such luck."

A smoldering hot spot behind the combine's engine compartment sparked a full-blown fire response. As embers spread, the crew scrambled to contain the heat and check for flare-ups. They spent five hours dousing hotspots, blowing debris off the machine, and making sure no flames reignited.

Fortunately, no one was injured and no major damage occurred. But the episode serves as a stark reminder of the fire hazards and mechanical risks that intensify during harvest, especially in hot, dry field conditions.

Equipment reliability and harvest safety remain top concerns for farmers, especially as the season gets underway across the Corn Belt. Combine fires, often caused by dust accumulation, friction, or electrical issues, are not uncommon. According to the National Ag Safety Database, machinery fires account for over 20% of farm fires annually.

Despite the early scare, soybean yields looked solid, Stackhouse reported. And while the stress was high, the takeaway was clear: vigilance and maintenance remain as critical as ever.

With the 2025 harvest just starting to ramp up nationwide, farmers are being reminded-yet again-that preparedness doesn't guarantee smooth sailing. But it sure helps when the unexpected happens.