I had a goal to publish a minimum of two articles on this blog each month. Of course, I’ve set a lot of goals I have yet to reach. It all boils down to one important factor. Focus!

August was a dark month. Nothing was published. September isn’t shaping up to be much different. That doesn’t mean my creativity was dormant though. My energy has been toward finishing a novel.

Since I discovered the art of word smithing, I’m also learning there are different styles to being an author. A magazine reporter tells the story quickly and distinctly. This is the style my following is familiar with from me. My blog articles tend to be presented in that format.

A novelist has more expressions of imagination. The author not only tells a story, there is more coloring in the presentation. This style is similar to a painter working a plain canvas.

I’m sure others can write a book and produce solid articles at the same time. One of my writing heroes John Sandord is a newspaper man. My local hero Cindy Ladage has written a book. It must be possible!

My other issue is I’m not Clive Cussler, or like the late great Robert Parker, some of my other admired authors. I can’t sit down at my keyboard and pen a tale all day. I have to work to support myself. I don’t get paid to write…..yet. I do however have a job that I get paid to do while there is opportunity to write doing it.

Bottom line, I’m not making excuses. All of my readership is very important and I appreciate and enjoy knowing there is a following to my musings. I can only be thankful for continuing support.

In regards to YouTube and Patreon video, I’m not ready to produce content. That’s just too many irons in a very unstable fire. I had support going down that avenue earlier this year. It’s gone now, leaving me with much to learn before the undertaking. I barely have time for creating. I’m a perfectionist and I feel I can do better.

You may ask what can be expected from me then. Well best answer would be much the same…. Sparatic content as I continue learning the craft. I plan to continue improving my photography because that works hand in hand with the writing. I’ve reset my goals. Maybe two articles was a bar to high, for now…

There is content waiting in the wings, and plenty more ideas. Please have patience and faith while my imagination runs rampant in novelist mode.

As always, thanks to all that give me readership support!

I have often visualized a conversation with my grandfather if he were still around. I would think he might find collecting farm equipment interesting, if not peculiar. I’m sure he would understand and probably admire the preservation of our ag heritage. He, however, was a very practical man and viewed farm equipment as a tool. I’m not certain he would understand ownership as a private museum collection.

Grand dad held a classic look he would give a person, looking over the top of his glasses. His facial expression would determine his attitude depending on anger or simply him being perplexed. I can picture that look and even hear him ask “you’re going to do what?”. I highly doubt Grandpa would understand the concept of a tractor drive. I could hear the added quip “We have cars and trucks now. Why?”

Now a plow day? That would reach his realm of comprehension. Getting together a group, of tractors, to turn the earth is something he even took part in. Plowing may have been somewhat of a social engagement, but I doubt it had been viewed recreational. They worked together to get a needed task accomplished. That wouldn’t be seen as a “play” time like modern day.

In honor of my ancestry, I termed my collection sandbox toys. I’d just as soon operate the three Farmalls doing tasks they were intended for. I’m thankful that my H has been restored to show room presence. My Super C and 300 both are very parade presentable too, but that shouldn’t mean they no longer get “down and dirty”! They’ll wash.

Theres no fun in a toy set on a shelf to only be admired. I enjoy going and participating in a show. That is only one way to enjoy tractor ownership though.

I’ve operated a tractor many times thinking about the two Shaw men that ran the type equipment before me. Reflecting on memories of my childhood and recalling stories of the past just heighten the experience. I was to young to work in the field with Grandpa. I did get to work beside my dad a little though.

I knew dad understood the joy of Ag heritage preservation though. He was bitten by the collectables bug the same as I have been. We went to plow days together before he passed, but at that time we only had lawn and garden tractors. There was unspoken agreement we both wished we had a tractor and plow. It makes owning one now, bittersweet for me.

Another pleasantry is sharing the joy that the tractor experience brings. Besides being antique tools, tractors symbolize heritage, family and friendship for me. I hope I’m not the only one feeling that way…

Photography credit for the picture with me on the Super C goes to Corey Edwards. The gentlemen pictured are Doug and Jason “red manager” Edwards in the still photos. Kerry Periman is operating the C in the video.

My H was restored by my friend Doug Edwards. Any restoration work needing done…he comes highly recommended.

I come from a very artistic family. My mom sewed, quilted, knitted, made dolls, pretty much anything creative. Her older sister paints and is also crafty. The sisters encouraged their children to explore artistic talents. My sister, cousin and I have musical talents. We all play or have played various musical instruments. Some of that ability was self taught.

I have discovered, during my writing pursuit, that pictures express thousands of words and help tell the story. It’s also true a photograph can tell it’s own tale. Because of this, I have become interested in another art form.

These first three were taken while I was enjoying a quiet evening with a couple that mean alot to me. When my mom died in 2014, I had thought my world would never be the same again. I figured I wouldn’t have somewhere to go and have someone to talk too. Its, of course not the same, but I’m grateful for how it is now. There is family by birth and then there’s family created by special bond. This farm is a special place for me to go.

Some of these images have been used in other articles. If the picture is viewed in whole its noticeably on the same location.

I took these for an article I was commissioned to pen. These were a few that I sent for consideration to be published, but they didn’t make the cut. That was a great photo shoot! Probably because of the people involved are great friends of mine

Jim Edwards’ Super 77 made the cover of a magazine. The editor had several choices. Here were a few from that photo shoot.

Scenes from home.

More of my photography can be found on Instagram ~ Rick_antiqueironmedia

This musing is a small escape from my normal theme of the blog. I’m a story teller, I learned that from my heritage. My grandfather, and dad could weave a great adventure or joke. In their spirit, I’d like to think I’m perfecting my craft in different form.

Nate Reinhart and I constantly talk on the phone throughout the day. One morning, he proclaimed “I’m getting back into raising cattle!” Nate has been around livestock all his life. The family is active raising horses and there is a cousin with a dairy farm. Currently Nate has a profitable custom hay operation. Nate has shown horses, raised cattle and hogs. He still helps, occasionally, on the family dairy. Knowing animals would be an understatement.

We talked more of the plans and I couldn’t help but be happy for his excitement. A flood of fond memories, of back in the day, when my family raised cull stock came to me. There is a special fulfillment in tending live stock with extra care needs.

Nate had succured purchasing calves that were the victim of parenting issues. I’m sure most country folk have complete understanding of the term “bucket calf”

“How you gonna get them home? I asked “A dog kennel will probably suffice” I kidded. They couldn’t be to big yet. He assured me he had a plan. I have to admit it was ingenuous.

I remarked another of our friends would have just let the calf ride in the cab. Well Nate couldn’t be out done in that respect.

He also had the benefit of someone else to help handle the calf. Tammy Buse, Nate’s mom, is helping with the new enterprise. The original plan was to buy two. He has two now, but they came home one at a time. So Nate actually hasn’t used his improvised stock racks yet.

The first calf rode home pretty calmly. It’s the little heifer pictured. The second one was a lot more spirited and from what Nate tells me the young bull created excitment biting and bucking. Boys will be boys I guess.

Tammy has been enjoying nurturing the young stock, not minding the extra effort. The calf rations are being prepared with loving care

The bull has needed some medicinal attention but is already eating feed rations besides taking the milk. The young boy had issues taking milk from a artificial nipple at first. Nate reported recently that both calves are already eating. The young bull gets upset if there isn’t feed in the bucket.

The calves of course are named. Many ideas have been suggested, Patty, Hamburger, Slider, T bone, Grocery, Nate likes Delicious. My thought was the bull should be named Rowdy. Anyway the heifer got tagged with Tinkerbell and the lad has been named Peter Pan.

Nate is happy to be raising beef stock again. He looks forward to having beef in the freezer. Other family members are suggesting getting into breeding and even showing, but Nate doesn’t want to take his cattle enterprise in those directions. I’m confident Nate will be successful in whatever he decides and takes on.

Credit for photography goes to Nate Reinhart and Tammy Buse. I encourage those on Facebook to seek out and browse Nate’s page Reinhart Custom Baling. You can find out more about the family’s hay operation

There’s been alot of behind the scenes work going on lately regarding Antique Iron Media. Ever since the decision to produce video was inspired, there were other details needing to be met.

My friend James Hunt had recently made a weekend visit to help me update my computer technology. I’m self taught on the workings of tools involving data production. In fact, I only had a slight clue as to my being out dated. James opened my eyes as to how far behind I had been. My new equipment is far more savvy than its operator, with time I hope to catch up. James is there to patiently answer questions and guide me further into the matrix. Its always good to have friends like that.

I informed you, the reader, in my article titled “Big News” I was seeking the assistance of a graphic artist. I wasn’t having great luck and on a whim I tried my hand at creating a design.

I was actually quite happy with the outcome. It turned out far easier to bring my idea to conception, then trying to explain it to someone. This design embraces the joined partnership between the media and mafia. I felt this important, to recognize, considering the media enterprise has been growing with the support and following from our mafia group membership.

It’s been fun designing the brand concept. There is a special pride in doing the work myself. I’m sure my mom would have been proud, she always encouraged me to step out of the box. She also would have reminded me “you don’t know what can be done until you try!”

The new plans can be a little overwhelming. I have no plans to stop writing. The YouTube videos will just parallel my article content. Thankfully I have help in carrying the new burden.

Stay tuned! 2019 is looking to be an exciting year.

Antiqueiron.media will soon be doing video feeds!

This weekend was very productive. James Hunt, has finally brought my technology into the 21st century.

Stay tuned and look for the links that will be created to YouTube.

As always thanks to everyone that supports the media/ mafia. I encourage everyone to subscribe and follow all the different formats created for the tractor enthusiast.

I will also be creating a patreon account for those willing to help support my growing endeavors in bringing antique agricultural media for the public’s enjoyment

There is one more step in the process. I’m seeking a graphic design artist to help create a logo. This will demonstrate the professional presence moving forward.

Its amazes me to think of all the different antique tractors I have owned over the past few years. I’ve been collecting lawn tractors far longer, but I really didn’t own farm tractors until 2015. Since that July, I discovered the challenge to purchase is just as enjoyable.

My attitude toward my tractors make them only toys to me. I don’t “need to” own anything. I make suitable purchases based on what fits into my expendable budget after my responsibilities are met. My collection may not be nearly impressive as some of my friends. In risk of sounding selfish, the only one that I feel really needs gratification of what I own is me!

Don’t misunderstand, I like to share my collection in a manner for others to enjoy. I would much rather have others experience the wonder of a peice for it’s glory and beauty. It has nothing to do with a fact that I own it.

That’s one of the reasons I pursue writing and a majority of what I share is in the antique tractor genre. I’m very fortunate to make friends with many wonderful people also caught in the passion. I also take great joy in influencing others to embrace the interest. Writing is just another form of pursuing the chase. There will never be a shortage of material to write about.

I like to report more than the mechanics of tractor. The challenge is to discover history of a particular peice. Sometimes, the story as to why a owner has it is more interesting than the tractor itself. My personal collection has one or two that have a special story.

I like to make a deal. I quickly learned there is more satisfaction in the transaction when both parties walk away happy. I approach every sale with straight forward honesty, whether I’m the buyer or the seller. I’d like to think that’s why I usually come away with a new friend in the bargain.

The last three antique farm tractors, I have purchased came from the same seller. Jim Edwards is a fair, just gentleman and great fun to work with. That, and becoming a respected friend, gives me the confidence to be a repeat customer. Jim is actually now my tractor dealer. I actually seek out his opinion on tractor matters. I consider myself fortunate to have Jim’s guidance. The Edwards may cull out a red tractor from their herd now and then. Chances are good it just moves into my collection.

The Edwards family taught me to also consider making purchases which have potential to appreciate in value. Because of this, I must confess that tractors maybe aren’t just toys. A collection is a major investment. Tractor purchases have become part of my financial planning. I see them similar to buying on the stock market. Buying with only a sentimental reason isn’t always a good plan. Altering my way of thinking has caused my collection monetary value to grow.

Brand values differ depending on locations. In explaining my observation, my region is very “pro John Deere, IH and Oliver” Where as if in another region it may be Case, or Allis Chalmers oriented. Personal preference is also a factor. I undoubtedly admit to being a red guy, but I have owned, or even still do own, “off brands”

I take full consideration into all aspects of the prospective buy. There are certain brands that I enjoy, but I might steer clear of ownership. My conservative tendency is to buy something I can easily resell if I need to. I don’t recommend my attitude for everyone though. That’s just my outlook on my collection.

I have my horror stories on deals that have failed. I had actually walked away from a purchase of a rare lawn tractor. I discovered the seller was attempting unjustified sales techniques. It was sad that the deal had gone bad, I would have been a repeat customer with him. The rare lawn tractor would have been a great addition, but the deal wasn’t worth working with a unscrupulous character.

Early 2017, I ended up making a purchase I wasnt really intending too. I had discovered the tractor through social media. The man had done a wonderful restoration of a hard to find model and was attempting to sell it. I reached out to the man, only to compliment his workmanship. We text, later to have a phone conversation, and had a very friendly visit. He finally asked if I wanted to buy… I made an offer.

Reference “And that’s the Case” a earlier article found in this blog. There is a more detailed explanation of the Michigan adventure.

Because of the adrenaline rush, of buying and selling, I will take on flip tractors. I have managed to turn a small profit, but more importantly I gain opportunity to meet new people.

My collection seems to always change. I always have two or three farm tractors, and more lawn tractors that I loose count at times. The group isnt always the same though. I tend to embrace my family heritage and will have red power, but I have my eye on other brands.

However owning tractors gets labeled. As a hobby, passion, or addiction, this is just something many people enjoy for many different reasons.

A typical day for a grain hauler usually begins very early in the morning. The grain company I work for most always has the trucks loaded for the following work day. This is to take full advantage of the receiver’s hours of operations. A grain hauler generally works a 12 to 14 hour day on average. I can remember when the work day was longer.

Modern technology has made a difference in wait times. The only down side is human interaction is far less than before. Most operations have a similar computer process being utilized. Information is either entered in a kiosk mounted scale side or communicated through a speaker or phone style headset. CB radios are even used in some cases.

Every system is similar. Some companies distribute a plastic tag that is hung in the windshield so a scanner can read and identify the truck. Other companies use a small plastic card about the size of a credit card. The card is swiped at a kiosk at some point during in processing and out processing. Sometimes the card can be read at several stations as the truck moves through the facility.

During in process, the truck gets weighed. This is generally when the computer tag is identified. The load will get probed and graded at some point before unloading. Contact is made with the scale operator and any other additional load information is taken.

Out process is another scale. The tag is again read and a grain recieved ticket is printed. You may not have much contact with a company representative, but rest assured you have been carefully monitored via camera.

The computer systems are very efficient and speed up time spent in the facility. The plastic tags however aren’t all universal to several facilities. In fact the same company will differ. ADM Decatur uses a hanging tag, and the St Louis, MO / Sauget, IL river terminals use cards. Most grain haulers have a large collection of different tags and cards. The trick is to make sure incompatible tags do not interfere with the system currently in use.

Rock quarries even use a computer system. The major difference is there isn’t inbound weight taken every single time being loaded.

End loaders, at quarries, are much more accurate when estimating amounts now. In past times a operator just got good simply by repetitive loading. Modern machinery is now equipped with a scale in the loader bucket.

I can remember before mechanical grain probes were used. Most scales had a walk way for a person to take samples of the incoming truck. The mechanical probe now uses electrical, hydraulic, and vacuum to retrieve the sample. Depending on the facility, there are even cameras monitoring where the probe is being placed

Where I’m employed, has become very modern. There is inbound and outbound scales to help process quickly. The inbound scale has a mechanical probe and the whole elevator is monitored via camera. Communication is maintained with the truck traffic using the CB.

Outbound grain loading has greatly improved at BAB. The elevator employee no longer has to stand on a perch above the truck to load, enduring hazards such as weather, falling, breathing dust, and noise.

There is now a central located building where the load is monitored via camera and controlled by electric doors. This is safer since the loader and driver can communicate using radio rather than shouting to be heard.

There are other grain operations even more state of the art than we are at BAB Grain. I have actually loaded on a scale. This method insures a perfect legal weight placement.

Grain handling has come into the 21st century using modern technology. I don’t consider myself that old, but I vaguely remember before cellphones, and the coming age of computers. Modern life hardly happens without using personal devices, to the point we take it for granted.

This will conclude my series on ag hauling. I hope you enjoyed the small peek into my work day. I know some of my following “know the drill”and relate. For everyone else, this may have been behind the scenes learning.

I want to thank my employer, Greg Boesdorfer, and fellow coworkers for making this article possible. A majority of the trucks pictured, in the article, are the BAB fleet. It was easier, sharing a behind the scene view, using some pictures of the BAB Grain facility.

Special thanks to Mark Enslow for helping stage some of the pictures. Mark has been with BAB for thirty plus years and witnessed many of the facility changes that have made grain handling, safer and more efficient.

Most of the advancement, I have witnessed, in Ag support have been better equipment utilized. Electronic tools have started to making a driver’s work more efficient.

Tarping has major improvement in my time. I didn’t start to work with tarps until I started driving semi trucks. My first encounter was major work and unsafe by today’s standard.

I literally had to manipulate the tarp on a loaded dump trailer very much like a flat bed operator still covers freight. There were no supporting metal “bows” the load was covered by a large one peice canvas that was fitted to the trailer. Rubber straps held it in place and the only fixed point was on the center front of trailer. This method, of cover, is dirty and labor intensive. Climbing and throwing the tarp had its fall risks. The major trick was folding and rolling up the tarp properly to fit in a basket designed to hold it when not in use. I’m glad I was young and more agile when I worked this method.

The next type of tarp method I learned was much safer since the driver stayed on the ground….in ideal circumstances anyway. The tarp was fastened down the right side of the trailer. Generally there would be four two inch straps that buckled down the left side to hold it secure. Some tarps had a front and rear cap that was secured with rubber straps. These caps had to be flipped over onto the main body before the tarp could be rolled over to the right side. To roll the tarp, a handle is carried that could be inserted into the end of the rolling pipe. Most have a rope fastened to the roll pipe midway to bring the tarp back over and secure it again

Using permanent mounted front and rear caps make a strap tarp safer like the one pictured. The driver can keep his feet on terre firma.

Sounds pretty simple and efficient? Well it may look good on paper, but let’s talk about real life. This method has pros and cons. There is a little more give way when hauling bulky product. Think of it like an over packed suitcase. This tarp style is more forgiving.

A driver learns to sling the return rope back and forth across the trailer with practice. Leaving the rope draped across during the loading tended to bury the rope. That makes for a difficult chance to cover the load. I learned to stow the tarp handle securely, that tool is very necessary to uncovering a load.

Sure lock tarps are generally the most widely used now in the industry. This method is fastened down the right side. The secured tarp is rolled and tucked under a ridge down the left side. The handle is the locking device to hold the tarp tightly. This method is quick and effective.

Sure lock tarps recieved a great improvement in recent years. Manually manipulating is becoming obsolete now. Electric motors now do the labor and a driver can control opening and closing the tarp with a remote control.

This convenient option saves time, and effort. Hopper trailer gates can also be controlled via a remote as well.

The control is similar to a all in one remote we enjoy controlling our home entertainment.

The cellular phone made a major difference in ag support. Now a day drivers can stay in touch with dispatch far easier. I really dont remember life before the technology. Before I had a phone I could be contacted with a pager when I hauled feed. Cell phones are more than modes of communication though. Smartphones are great to defeat boredom when committed to a wait in line.

Part 3 will be my final sharing of this article. I will be explaining the technical advancement of most terminals, quarries, and even some local elevators.