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Langenburg UFO and Crop Circles

On September 1, 1974, farmer Edwin Fuhr watched five metallic, domed discs hovering over his rapeseed field, spinning and creating swirling patterns in the crops below. When they departed, they left five circular formations. It was one of the first cases linking UFOs directly to crop circle creation.

1974
Langenburg, Saskatchewan, Canada
1+ witnesses

The Langenburg incident provides something rare in UFO research: a witness who observed UFOs in the act of creating crop circles. Farmer Edwin Fuhr watched five metallic discs hover over his field, saw the crops swirling beneath them, and found five circular formations after the objects departed.

September 1, 1974

Edwin Fuhr was a 36-year-old farmer working his land near Langenburg, Saskatchewan. At approximately 11:00 AM, while swathing rapeseed in his field, something extraordinary happened:

The Discovery: While rounding a slight rise on his swather, Fuhr noticed a metallic, dome-shaped object in the grass ahead.

Initial Thought: He first thought it was a duck blind or piece of farm equipment.

Closer Look: Approaching, he realized it was a steel-gray, brushed metal object shaped like a dome, hovering about a foot off the ground.

More Objects: Looking around, he discovered four more identical objects nearby.

The Objects

Fuhr observed five disc-shaped craft:

Shape: Domed discs, like an inverted bowl or hat shape.

Material: Metallic, steel-gray, with a brushed metal appearance.

Size: Each approximately 11 feet in diameter and 4-5 feet high.

Position: Hovering approximately one foot above the ground.

Rotation: Each object was rotating, spinning on its axis.

Effect: The crop directly beneath each object was swirling, being pushed down by some force.

The Departure

After observing for approximately 15 minutes:

The Ascent: The five objects began to rise simultaneously.

The Speed: They rose slowly at first, then accelerated rapidly.

The Pattern: They ascended in a stepped formation.

Vapor or Mist: A gray vapor or mist was emitted from pipes or openings beneath the craft.

Altitude: The objects climbed to an estimated 200 feet, then departed at high speed.

The Crop Formations

After the UFOs left, Fuhr examined where they had been:

Five Circles: Five circular depressions in the rapeseed, each approximately 11 feet in diameter.

Swirl Pattern: The crops were flattened in a clockwise swirl pattern.

Clean Edges: The circles had distinct edges, not gradual transitions.

No Burns: Unlike some UFO landing cases, there were no burn marks.

Preservation: The circles remained visible and were documented.

The Investigation

The case attracted serious investigation:

RCMP: The Royal Canadian Mounted Police investigated and documented the formations.

Media: Local and national media covered the story.

UFO Researchers: Various UFO organizations investigated.

Physical Evidence: The circles were photographed and analyzed.

Edwin Fuhr’s Credibility

Fuhr proved to be an excellent witness:

Character: He was a respected, hardworking farmer with no history of pranks or fabrication.

Reluctance: He was initially reluctant to report the incident, fearing ridicule.

Consistency: His account never changed over decades.

Demeanor: He was clearly shaken by the experience but remained matter-of-fact in his description.

No Profit: He never sought to profit from the experience.

The Connection to Crop Circles

The Langenburg case is significant in crop circle research:

Direct Observation: Unlike most crop circle cases, Fuhr observed the formation process.

UFO Connection: He watched UFOs apparently creating the circles through some downward force.

Physical Evidence: The resulting formations could be examined.

Timing: This predated the 1980s British crop circle phenomenon, suggesting a longer history.

Physical Effects

Several physical effects were noted:

Crop Damage Pattern: The swirl pattern and flattening were distinctive.

Soil Compaction: The ground within the circles showed signs of pressure.

No Vehicle Tracks: There were no marks indicating conventional equipment.

Weather: Conditions were calm, eliminating wind as a cause.

What Fuhr Experienced

The witness reported:

Fear: He was genuinely frightened during the observation.

Paralysis: He felt unable or unwilling to approach closer.

Time: The observation lasted approximately 15 minutes.

Sound: He didn’t recall significant noise from the objects.

Aftermath: He experienced some disorientation after the sighting.

Investigation Conclusions

Investigators concluded:

Genuine Sighting: Fuhr sincerely reported what he observed.

Physical Evidence: The crop formations were real and consistent with his account.

No Conventional Explanation: No known phenomenon or equipment could explain both the objects and the formations.

Unknown Origin: Whatever created the circles was unexplained.

Legacy

The Langenburg case remains important because:

  • It provides direct testimony of UFOs creating crop circles
  • The witness was credible and consistent
  • Physical evidence (the formations) could be examined
  • Multiple investigators confirmed the basic facts
  • It predates the famous British crop circle era

Whatever Edwin Fuhr saw hovering over his Saskatchewan field that September morning, it left physical traces that remain unexplained - five perfect circles in the crops, created while he watched.

Sources

  • RCMP investigation reports
  • UFO research organization files
  • Witness interviews
  • Contemporary news coverage