As you may know by now, Joe and I worked the 2018 and 2019 Sugar Beet Harvest in Culbertson, Montana. I am the research and planner nut in the family. After we accepted the position, I was obsessed with watching Youtube videos and reading all I could about what we needed to be prepared. Joe always says when the Zombie Apocalypse comes, I will be more than ready. I spent months researching and making lists of what we would need, but struggled to just find all the information I needed in one place.

Here’s a little recap from our first Sugar Beet Harvest 2018.

The result of my struggles and a lot of wasted time, is this blog for you! I will not be writing about the experience, the pay, the positions, etc. I am simply going to provide you with a list of what we bought, brought, used and wish we had.

First, we will talk about the clothing that you will need. Make your list and hit every thrift shop and second hand store. Much of what you will purchase will end up being donated back or thrown out in the trash.

Clothing Must Haves:

• • Comfortable, waterproof boots (break them in before your first day)
  • Wool socks for normal and extreme weather (it’s not always freezing)
  • Thermal Underwear, flannel lined jeans and/or Carhartt pants
  • Flannel shirts (I wore one that was sherpa lined everyday)
  • Hoodies
  • Snow pants (optional)
  • Neck scarf or buff
  • Balaclava (thick)
  • Gloves (warm, but well fitted, they will get destroyed0
  • Handwarmers

Be sure to check out What to Wear for the Sugar Beet Harvest.

Second, our truck was a traveling survival machine. The back seat of the truck was a mobile storage unit with totes, cooler and travel bags filled with goodies.

Truck Stock:

• Bag 1

  • Extra layers of clothes

• Bag 2

  

  • Paper towels
  • Baby wipes
  • Kleenex
  • Plastic ware
  • Chapstick
  • Lotion or sunscreen for the face

• Bag 3

  • Snacks (LOTS)
• Lunches
• Cooler stocked with water and other drinks
• Coffee (we brought thermoses)

Third, our employer provided us with some items to keep us safe and protected.

Provided by Our Employer:

• Safety vest
• Balaclava (thin)
• Safety glasses (clear and for sun)
• Gloves
• Hard Hat

We have another great video on What to Pack in Your Vehicle.

There is probably a lot more you can bring, but this list provides you with the must haves to be comfortable, safe and warm.

Be sure to check out our blog on our Sugar Beet Experience.

Visit The Unbeetable Experience  or for the Michigan Beet Harvest to apply for the 2020 harvest and let them know Julia and Joe Breheny sent you.

We Hope to Meet at the Beets!

If you are a newbie or veteran harvester, please comment below on your must have items.