The wheat harvest (usually in the end of May) in Palestine is mentioned as early as Reuben (Genesis 30:14), compare Isaac's hundred fold increase (Genesis 26:12). The crops are now thin and light, no manure being used and the same grain grown on the same soil year by year. Three varieties are grown, all bearded. The sickle was in use for cutting grain as well as sometimes for the vintage (Revelation 14:18-19). Generally, the ears only were cut off, the long straw being left in the ground.