Four Generations Run Schemper Harvesting in Phelps County

July 21, 2025

Phelps County is home to several multi-generational businesses, from Rite Way Milk to Abramson Appliance. Entrepreneurs dedicate their lives to their companies and then pass them on to kids and grandkids who want to stay in Nebraska. Schemper Harvesting is another company that is run by multiple generations of Phelps County residents who are proud to call Holdrege home. For more than 60 years, the Schemper family has supported farmers across Nebraska, Kansas, Montana, Oklahoma, Texas, and more.

“It's a big family operation,” says JC Schemper in an interview for MacDon. “We all have different ownership of various equipment, and we divide it up accordingly. We can still work together as a family, but there’s no hard feelings over money.”

The Schemper family exemplifies ingenuity, close family ties, and a dedication to agriculture. Learn more about their business and why it flourishes.

Schemper Harvesting Was Founded During a Drought Year

Schemper Harvesting started because the rain refused to fall. Jerry Schemper needed to drum up business, so he started traveling the region offering harvesting services. He offered his labor to farmers who needed to harvest their crops but lacked the manpower and equipment to do so quickly. Some of these original customers still work with the Schempers. The family returns each year to assist with whatever needs to be harvested.

The Schempers have nine machines in total, including five grain carts. They bring their equipment to each customer and harvest and haul the crops. Not only are farmers able to harvest their wheat and other crops at peak times, but they can also get the harvest to local processors.

“We all have a very good work ethic, knowing at the end of the year what it takes to make this work, and it works for us,” says Schemper. “Not every family can work like this.”

The Fourth Generation is Currently Growing Up in Nebraska

JC’s children represent the fourth generation of Schempers involved in the family business. The youngest is nine, while the oldest is 17. Many Schempers grew up with the business as a core part of their lives and handled combines before they could legally drive cars.

JC’s sister Janel had her first combine ride when she was six months old. She could run a combine by the time she was 13. Their brother Jared had his first combine ride when he was just 10 days old.

The Schempers travel with hired crews from one town to the next, saying they “hopscotch through the Midwest” to accommodate different crops and harvesting seasons. These crews become family for the weeks they work together, supporting each other in different towns and states.

“Out here on harvest, you get to be in a community for two weeks,” says Jared Schemper. “These are lifelong relationships you can call on throughout your life. That's what the crew members really like about it.”

The Schempers Have Earned Decades of Repeat Customers

The Schempers estimate that 95% of their customers return from one year to the next. They appreciate the quality harvesting equipment and the trusted teams brought by this company. The third generation of Schempers are now harvesting for multiple generations of farmers across the Midwest, highlighting how relationships span centuries when it comes to American farming.

JC explains that he has cut for the grandfather, father, and now son at a single farm. At another farm, the ownership recently passed from the father to the son, but the business relationship stays the same.

“We don't really get a lot of new people, but we do have times where we do, (we’re) able to get some more acres in areas, but we're pretty much recurring to the same people every year, and like I said, it just works for us,” says Schemper.

Many customers are even willing to wait if harvesting is delayed due to weather or life events. They know that Schemper Harvesting can be trusted.

Businesses Can Thrive When They Choose Nebraska

Schemper Harvesting offers quality services and top-notch customer service, which is why farmers across the Midwest hire them every year. Nebraska customers are loyal to companies that do a good job and invest in the state. From new entrepreneurs to enterprises bringing new industries to Phelps County, the community is ready to offer support. This community loves watching businesses of all sizes (and generations) succeed.

Learn more about the resources offered to businesses and the tools that make it easy to move here. See how our team can help you today.

Phelps County Development Corporation has the tools, information, and skills to assist you with relocation for your business or family. PCDC is ready to help with housing and project advocacy, including permitting, timely utilities, and financial assistance. Contact PCDC at (308) 995-4148 or pcdc@phelpscountyne.com today. To further explore “Why Phelps,” download the community guide.