Two teams from Steinbach were among the group that broke the world record for the most antique threshing machines used at one time this weekend in Austin Manitoba.

Hank Klassen from Steinbach says they had a total of 158 antique machines register for the Threshermen's Reunion. “139 machines made it through the 15 minutes it took to accomplish the challenge and we beat the record by about 30 machines.”

Klassen says the antique machines came from MB, SK, ON, and the United States, and the oldest was from the 1800's. “The previous record was recorded in Ontario in 2015 with 111 machines, we had quite a few more registered, so even if some broke down we would still have had the record.”

Klassen says the two machines brought out by the Steinbach teams were provided by Unger Air Farms. “It was quite something, when we got there we wondered where we would all be. It took 15 acres, that's how far our machines were spread out. You couldn't even see all of them if you stood up on the grand stand, it was just overwhelming.”

According to Klassen, the turnout was great with participants as well as spectators. “I think the organizers weren't prepared food wise, or with washroom and washing facilities. They were just overwhelmed with what they received for attention.”

Klassen adds there were 5 or 6 people operating each machine, and with 158 machines registered, there were nearly 1000 people participating at the record breaking event, plus the many spectators. “The spectators were 15 people deep as far as the eye could see along the lines, it was unreal.”

“I think we all had a lot of fun.  It wasn't something I would want to do everyday, but to be a part of a movement like this; we do threshing around here sometimes but nothing like this.”