Travelling side by side in a Canadian wheat field at 2.5 km/h without breaking rank, 200 combines broke the Guinness World Record for the most harvesters working in the same field as part of the Harvest for Kids project.

“It is really wonderful,” said Guinness judge Amanda Mochan, who supervised the event. “Not only are people breaking world records. They are doing it for a good cause.”

The previous record was set by 175 combine harvesters. The harvesters have to combine simultaneously for at least five minutes to qualify for the record. The combines harvested 408 metric tons of spring wheat on 120ha on a farm near Winkler, Manitoba, Canada, in less than 11 minutes.

Several dozen brand new combines donated by southern Manitoba equipment dealers, two thirds John Deere, were experiencing a Manitoba harvest for the first time. Drivers came from all over the country. Farmer Jack Froese and his two brothers donated the use of their land for the planting of the crop.

“All the money raised at the event will be used to send children in developing countries to attend Christian camps run by Children’s Camps International, allowing them to participate in an experience which they would not otherwise have,” said Harry Siemens, well-known Canadian agricultural journalist and radio commentator.

“The money will benefit at least 50 000 children. It was the kind of event that brought tears to the eyes of many of the organisers, farmers and spectators,” he added.

Farmer, Mel Penner, the combine organiser, said, “The event is proof of what farmers can do and what the Lord can do for us. He can make things happen.”