reaping

Reaping is the agricultural act of cutting and gathering mature grain crops. In traditional farming, reaping refers specifically to the cutting of cereal stems with a sickle or scythe and the subsequent gathering of the cut stalks, while harvesting is the broader process that includes threshing, winnowing, and storage. Reaping is commonly associated with cereals such as wheat, barley, oats, and rye.

Historically performed by hand, reaping was time-consuming and labor-intensive. The development of mechanical reaping devices, notably Cyrus McCormick's mechanical reaper of 1831, significantly increased productivity and reduced labor needs. Modern agriculture uses combine harvesters, which perform reaping along with threshing and cleaning in a single pass.

Process steps include cutting the mature stalks near ground level; arranging them into sheaves or windrows to dry; threshing to separate grain from the straw; and winnowing to remove the chaff; and preparing grain for storage or processing. In some crops, the timing of reaping is critical to prevent losses from shattering or weather damage.

Etymology and usage: the term reaping derives from Old English ripan, related to the verb to reap in other Germanic languages. The phrase "reap what you sow" reflects the metaphorical extension of the act to consequences of action.