A Kansas agriculture manufacturing company celebrates a milestone. Hesston Corporation this week rolled out its 25,000th large square baler.

According to the company, in 1978, Hesston Corporation introduced the Model 4800, the industry’s first large square baler. The machine revolutionized hay production and feeding practices at a time when labor availability and fuel prices were driving a need for innovations on the farm. Big square balers have come a long way since then.

On Thursday a large crowd gathered at AGCO’s Hesston Operations to celebrate the 25,000th large square baler built in the Harvey County community.

The large square baler was presented to its new owner, Bill Levy of PacificAg, the largest agricultural residue and hay harvesting business in the United States, headquartered in Hermiston, Oregon.