I’ve had insightful conversations about the future of antique tractors over the past year. People that I’ve conversed with have voiced concern regarding the well-being of tractor collecting. Is there any cause for concern? Maybe the correct answer would be yes and no.
Tractor events draw all ages. The concerning age would be the younger set, however. Some of our youth actively participate, but most of the young folk that I see are involved through a family relationship.
Andy Hinrichs, in Oregon, IL, is supporting youth involvement. He sponsors a 4H club. Andy’s annual garden tractor jamboree holds an auction as a fund raiser. He encourages young people with exposure to his collector friends.
The Antique Iron Mafia was created in 2010 with two founding members who were 10 years old at the time. AIM’s didn’t have a Facebook presence then. Are the young founding members still active? Unfortunately, no! Life happens, and interests change. Details as to why one of these two young men isn’t involved aren’t relevant for this essay. One still.is a Facebook group member, although he doesn’t actively pursue tractor interests. Maybe someday they both will become active, time will tell.
That leads to one point. Young people’s interest is sparked from a family interest. I can list many examples of father, mother, grandparents, sparking the enthusiasm.
The Mafia membership has changed over the past ten years. The administration team has grown with the membership. The current lead administrator, Jessica Basford, is a mother of two. She and significant other Chris Roach are both passionate about celebrating ag heritage. Their enthusiasm and parenting style have created a daughter and son who share the joy.
I recently implemented an experiment into my tractor display. I’ve introduced a little modern tech. Since everyone can’t let go of their smartphones. I ‘ve given the phone a use. QR links are the latest craze. My Shaw Du-all all display a link that leads to my newest blog page, Shaw & Tell. The new page has pictures and information regarding all six tractors, presently in my collection.
The link scan was mainly a creation to share information, and I will admit an opportunity to exploit the blog. My plan isn’t necessarily an outreach to the youth, but younger people have a stronger grip on technology.
Safety is the most critical factor of consideration. Simply, a tractor sitting on display is the safest. Even a tractor that isn’t moving still needs to be considered a hazard.
Collectors have varied attitudes on public availability to their equipment. Some have a look but no touching. That rule is well within the owner’s right. Antique tractors are a major investment.
Other collectors, such as my friend Carl Davis, invite the public to interact. Carl sees that allowing someone to physically sit on the seat, specifically a kid, will spark a passion.
I agree with Carl to some extent. I will allow that, but please ask me! Don’t feel entitled. I’m considering safety over all else. Shaw Du-all tractors are awkward to mount and dismount,creating a fall hazard. I would rather a person have a pleasant experience than remember an accident. Most times, I’d rather a small person be placed on the seat.. They can pretend to drive until their heart content. At that point,they can be safely lifted off.
Seeing the equipment actually run and move is exciting, but it also invites more risk. Antique agriculture didn’t consider safety shields and other issues like modern-day. A good rule to remember is to be aware of your surroundings at a tractor event. I can only give my personal example. I’ve never really closely observed what other owners do. I’m particular who I allow to operate my tractors. Any young person that I’ve allowed has proven their capabilities. The youngest operator also had his father’s voucher. My allowance is also based on family accountability. My trusted young operators were all raised by parents who promote antique agriculture,
I’ve had several conversations with Keith Ladage about getting people involved in tractor drives. Again, this is a major safety concern. There are too many variables relating to the activity that make a tractor drive improper for a novice.
I agree that getting a young person on the seat instills confidence, but not during a tractor drive. There are exceptions based on experience and supervision.
Keith further suggested a tractor safety course, which I find an exceptional idea. However, logistics and sponsorship need careful consideration.
This essay has been generalized covering a broad array of ideas. I invite any opinions and insights regarding the health of antique agriculture. I see the subject holding its own. Like anything else in life, there’s always new and different changes to make anything better.
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