Fresh Voices

Check out Dirk Chatelain: HASTINGS, Neb. - They roll through puddles of mud and manure, breathing out clouds of black smoke that drift west through a soft breeze.



Toward the arena, toward the crowd, toward battle, one-by-one - like gladiators, only 100 times the size.



The sky is dark, unusual for July twilight at the Adams County Fairgrounds. Rain has fallen off and on throughout the day. It's stopped for now. A country twang blasts over the loudspeaker.



"I'm the son of a third-generation farmer. I've been married 10 years to the farmer's daughter. I'm a God-fearing hardworking combine driver . . ."



There are three big ones. They're red Massey Fergusons, powered by a V-8 diesel…