Kubik Farms: Three Generations of Farming with Gleaner

For the Kubik family of Thurston, Nebraska, farming isn’t just a way of life – it’s a legacy built across three generations, tied together by a shared passion for agriculture and a long-standing history with Gleaner combines. Today, they farm corn and soybeans, but what truly sets their story apart is the pride they carry into every harvest.

 

LaVern Kubik, a first-generation farmer, has been running Gleaners for more than 60 years. Farming has been his lifelong calling, aside from the two years he proudly served in the United States Army. Now at 93 years old, he’s the one behind the wheel during harvest, operating the machine he’s known for decades.

His son, Duane Kubik, carried that passion into the second generation. The only combine Duane has ever run has been Gleaners. At age 71, Duane purchased his Gleaner T71 – class of ’71 himself – and said it felt meant to be.

Over the years, Duane’s watched the combine evolve – and today’s Gleaner stands in a class of its own. With a refined rotor design and an exceptionally efficient threshing and cleaning system, Gleaner keeps more grain where it belongs: in the tank, delivering maximum return with every pass.

Now, the third generation has stepped into the family tradition. Lee Kubik, a CPA by trade, has joined his dad, Duane, and grandpa, LaVern on the farm. Lee has also had his chance to operate the Gleaner this fall. His dad, Duane, said proudly, “Lee got comfortable in the combine super quick. Within a few hours, he was running it like he’d been doing it his whole life.”

Lee has come to appreciate the modern updates of the Gleaner T Series – noticing less dust and better visibility, making the long days in the cab feel more rewarding.

The Kubik’s are also grateful for the people behind the equipment.

Butler Ag Equipment’s staff is super knowledgeable,” Duane said. Over the years, he’s gotten to know many of the parts employees and technicians well enough to know them by name. And when it comes to sales support at Butler Ag, Jeremy Helzer stands out: “He really cares.” Jeremy even called LaVern “Dad,” a testament to the relationship they have built.

But for the Kubik family, their story isn’t just about a combine – it’s about the memories built around it. Moments spent in the field. Lessons passed down. Pride shared across generations.

As Lee put it, “There’s something special about three generations farming together. Not everyone gets that chance, and I’m lucky to be able to do just that.”

A family legacy and a combine brand that has been part of their story since the very beginning.

From left to right: LaVern Kubik and Jeremy Helzer (Customer Account Manager) visiting on the farm