From Far Away Russia - Part 4
Russian-Germans in Kansas
Growing Wheat
"Kansas will be to America what the country of the Black Sea . . . is now to Europe -- her wheat field."
--Topeka Commonwealth, October 15, 1874
The Russian-Germans arrived at a critical time in Kansas history. They brought new dollars to the state following a period of severe drought, grasshopper infestation, and depression. In 1874 alone they added an estimated one million dollars to the Kansas economy.
"They refute the statement so often heard in Kansas that a farmer cannot make money growing wheat alone. They have grown nothing except wheat for twenty-five years and are prosperous."
--Kansas City Star, June 26, 1901
The Nation's Breadbasket
Russian-German farmers helped turn Kansas into the nation's breadbasket.
Unlike most other farmers new to the Great Plains, they already were experienced at prairie-style agriculture in Russia. Mennonites often are credited with introducing Turkey red wheat to Kansas (although this is probably a legend). This hardy winter variety flourished on the Plains.
Here, Alex Schumacher and his brothers (Volga Germans) harvest wheat near Munjor, Kansas, using a steam-powered threshing machine.
--Topeka Daily Capital, March 20, 1890
