Homegrown: Passion for cotton harvesting, 6th generation farmer

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - It’s the first week of the cotton season, and one Yuma farmer feels honored to be the sixth man in the family to preserve its legacy.

Jacob Ware, co-owner of D.V.B. Harvesting, harvests crops in Yuma but has mainly grown interest in harvesting cotton.

"I've always, always been around the shop and you know, the mechanics, and I'm actually just starting to learn about the planting side of it with my dad," Ware said.

Large tractors operated by GPS are programmed to harvest rows of cotton using 16 blades.

"As the teeth spin around, it goes through, grabs the cotton lent and actually pulls it from the bowl of the plant and just leaves the stick behind," Ware, explained.

Once the tractor is full, it wraps the cotton in plastic for distribution.

"The plastic bells weigh anywhere from 4,000 to 6,000 pounds," Ware stated.

Planting season begins in February and harvesting typically runs through October. They are now one week into harvesting season.

"As of today, we've picked, I believe 630 acres. Within the next probably month and a half we will have, hopefully have 4,500 acres done."

Ware is honored to be a part of the legacy and hopes he can continue these traditions with advances in technology.

"Even the cotton pickers. These things are smart as could be, but it means a lot to me, and I just want to keep it going, you know."

He says all the work is worth it knowing he's making his ancestors proud.