Public Awareness?

I penned an article in July, titled The Future  of Ag Heritage. The essay discusses the well-being of antique tractor collecting and the future carrying forward. Recommended reading to understand this article.

After several discussions with a few collectors, I didn’t forsee the awareness question on a national level. Since July, I’ve made contact with Kansas native Michael Hinton, who has been working hard since 2010 to create national awareness. My recent article  Creating an Official Day reports the success. Michael diligent efforts have earned him to be inducted into the National Agriculture Hall of Fame

At this point, I admit to naivety. I didn’t know a National Agriculture Museum and Hall of Fame existed. It’s in Bonner Springs, KS, for those who are also not aware.

With further transparency, even after my research and two articles, I still don’t see ag heritage future as a concerning issue. I applaud Michael and Illinois advocate  Kevin Bresnahan for what they accomplished. Even with my lack of understanding of the full concept, I fully support continued antique agriculture awareness growth.

Tractor preservation is what each individual makes it. Showing, doing tractor drives, pulling, or even buying and selling to create a collection.Others may simply like spectating or reading with no need of ownership.There are so many aspects and interests. The bottom line is that each person gives and takes what they need to enjoy this recreation.

Anyone residing in the rural Midwest probably takes seeing tractors for granted. Here in Central IL, most small town community festivals include tractors in parades and on display. The Ansar Shiner love to create a parade. One of the marching units is antique tractors. Other than major cities, it’s hard to imagine the public is unaware of antique tractors.

What isn’t seen is mainstream media attention. Some show hosts invite press coverage, but not many see television, minimal radio, and maybe a little newspaper. I may be wrong… comment and correct me. Most of my awareness of upcoming tractor events is by social media, such as Facebook,modern word of mouth. I’m sure advertising comes at a cost.

Addressing  those concerned that antique tractors are a dying niche. My best advice is to step up and make a difference, Don’t wait for someone else or some group. It only takes one to get started. Michael Hinton didn’t get Antique Tractor Preservation Day, started overnight, and that’s still not done in every state. Kevin Bresnahan took up the cause in Illinois. He’s not done making Illinois aware either. This isn’t just a day. It’s a step creating awareness in our ag heritage

To conclude my conmentary, I don’t see public awareness as a problem. Finding an event to participate in isn’t difficult. Depending on the region and willingness to travel, most can find something tractor related year around. A lot of events conflict with the same date.

“Tractor” people really aren’t the problem. We just need to continue what we do best. Maybe there’s not a problem to solve,but on the other hand, there’s always room to improve.