Bill Steiner, a farm boy, has just completed his first year of studies at the University of Wisconsin. To return to college in the fall, he knows he needs extra money. He takes a job at a pea cannery where he manages a small group of men. One of them, an alcoholic, threatens Bill with a gun when Bill empties the worker's bottle.
Later in the summer, Bill manages a small pickle factory. He is learning that being the boss is more than a little challenging. Working with men processing peas and pickles offers learning experiences for Bill well beyond what he expected.