It's not official yet, but it will be once the Guinness Book of World Records finishes there paperwork.

A new record for vintage threshing machines continually separating grain was set yesterday at the Threshermen's Reunion and Stampede in Austin.

Harvesting Hope was in aid of the Canadian Foodgrains Bank, and drew participants and spectators from all over North America. They saw 139 out of 148 threshing machines work for 15 minutes, to break last year's record of 111.

The Beamish team from Brandon was among them, and Thomas Beamish says there are two reasons to be involved.

"Part of it is to feed hungry people around the world, and we have the ability to help with them. And part of it also to make people aware of our pioneer agriculture, to let them know what our ancestors did, and how hard the work was."

Stan Eichhorn from Stattler, Alberta ran an 1887 threshing machine, and feels it's important to let urban people see where their food comes from.

"And if we can show them where the food-growing crops end up going through some of the farm machinery, and eventually ending up on their table, I think it's important they understand that."

Jerred and Eileen Ruble travelled from Hanlontown, Iowa with their 1895 machine. Jerred believes this event has important message.

"Just so they understand where their food is coming from, and the work involved in getting the food from the field to the table. That's quite a process if you really think about it. And just the threshing is kind of the end of the cycle."

Foodgrains Bank Executive Director Jim Cornelius calls it a celebration of farming.

"All I've seen is smiles on people's faces as they think back to how farming evolved on the prairies. At the same time, I think of farming globally, too, and how we're working with farmers around the world to strengthen and improve their farming practices."

The Threshermen's Reunion's Elliot Sims is elated the two-year project connected to such a large crowd, and feels it speaks volumes.

"Literally thousands of people across the country, and across the continent, that think that antique machinery and making sure we understand our rural roots is maintained is important. When you see and you hear from people coming from New York state, Ontario, Quebec, even overseas for this event, that really tells you that it really is connecting."