Hauling Spuds and Chasing Sunsets: Life at the Potato Harvest
By Pete | VanCampingLifestyle.com
When the sugar beet prehaul wraps up in August, I don’t hit pause—I shift gears and roll straight into potato harvest season. It’s a seamless transition for me and a solid way to keep the wheels turning (literally) while stacking more income before the full-on beet madness kicks off in October.
The Potato Harvest Vibe
Potato harvest in the upper Midwest—especially North Dakota, Minnesota, and parts of Montana—kicks off late August through September. Just like the beet season, I drive a semi-truck, hauling spuds from the fields to storage sheds, processing plants, or shipping yards.
the farmer I work for provides a free camp spot, and it’s not just some dusty gravel lot. It’s a lush patch of green grass, thick and dense, perfect for stretching out after a long shift. And for Kitty, my four-legged daughter and full-time travel companion, it’s heaven. She spends her downtime rolling in the grass, soaking up the sun, or snoozing under a shade tree. It’s one of her favorite stops on the circuit.
Weather That Makes You Want to Stay
Potato harvest weather is some of the best of the year. Daytime temps hover around 75°F, and nights dip into the 50s. It’s crisp, cool, and perfect for sleeping with the windows open in the Skoolie. There’s less mud than beets, and the workload—while steady—is usually a bit more chill.
The Work: Trucks, Dirt, and Dust
Hauling potatoes is straightforward. You load out of the field and haul to a drop site—often running multiple short trips per day. The work is hourly, and depending on the farmer and region, you can expect $20–$30/hour, sometimes more if you’ve got CDL experience and a solid work ethic.
It’s a little less chaotic than beets and usually a great way to ease into the busy fall season. If you’ve got your own rig or RV, many farmers are happy to provide space—especially if you’re willing to put in some hours and show up on time.
How to Find a Potato Harvest Job
Unlike the beet harvest, there’s no big corporate portal like TheUnbeetableExperience.com for spud season. But there are tons of listings out there if you know where to look:
Workamper News – Lots of farmers post here every season looking for drivers and harvest hands.
Facebook Marketplace & Groups – Search for terms like “potato harvest jobs North Dakota”, “seasonal farm work,” or “harvest help needed.” You’ll find plenty of posts, especially in late July through September.
Local classifieds & bulletin boards – If you’re already in potato country, keep an eye out at diners, gas stations, and ag supply stores. Word travels fast.
And here’s a tip: once you’ve worked a season for a solid farmer, you’ll likely be invited back year after year.
It’s Not Just Work, It’s a Lifestyle
Potato harvest is one of those perfect seasonal gigs that fits the nomadic lifestyle. The work is honest, the weather’s perfect, and the downtime feels like a reward. Kitty and I get a few weeks to enjoy green grass, open skies, and calm days before diving into the intensity of sugar beets in October.
If you’re a nomad looking to plug in for a few weeks, or just want a unique work-travel experience, give the potato harvest a look. You might just find yourself coming back every year—like I do.