​Wheat harvest can be long, hot, and stressful, as farmers race to bring in their crop before the next thunderstorm rolls across the plains.

Once the last bushel is in the bin, well, then it's time for a little celebration!

This photo, taken in 1917 in Otoe County, Nebraska, shows several of David Miesbach's family members and others enjoying some refreshment after threshing. The keg in the center presumably contained one of the final batches produced by Hastings Brewing Company, as Prohibition went into effect in Nebraska in May of 1917, causing all alcohol sales and manufacture to cease. Perhaps they held up the "soda" advertisement to avoid suspicion? 

After Prohibition, former Hastings brewmaster and part-owner Louis Kraus -- recently widowed with three children and having lost his brewery investments -- remarried and took up a new trade: farming in Perkins County. The page turned for the Kraus family.

Now, a few generations later, Louis' great-granddaughter Lisa Kraus and her husband Richard Gibson are proud to carry on a new chapter in their family's story here at Second Chapter Brewing.

​Cheers to all the legacy of the farmers and brewers across the history of this great state!

P.S. We've got your post-harvest party supplies on hand.

At the end of June, our family had the opportunity to get away. We traveled up and down the Oregon Coast, visiting family and friends, camping with our kids, and taking in the beautiful scenery. Of course, we also enjoyed some great food and drink along the way! Market research is important!

We came back last week into the rush of tourism season in Ogallala. It has taken us a moment to catch our breath. We are still waaaay behind. But we are reminded of how much we appreciate the serenity and perspective gained from stepping away.

We are extremely grateful to our team members -- in the taproom and behind the scenes of the brewery and office -- who kept things here humming along in our absence. It is not easy to entrust a small business to others' hands, especially during such a busy season, but they proved themselves beyond capable once again! Thank you!!!

​We hope you enjoy these photos from our trip -- sea lions, beaches, wildflowers, cheese factories, and more. You can find a few tastes of Richard's home state on our menu too.