http://Thanksgivingreflections

I have discovered it very hard to be an active blogger with a career driving in the ag business industry. Lately I’ve been working harder as a novelist, during my writing time, preparing my “bestseller”

This fall was extremely hard anyway. On September 10th I had a minor accident and broke my right wrist. Life is hard enough without living it one handed.

I have to proclaim I’m thankful for tractors during this time of thanks. I’m sure many would not be all that surprised I say that. I have become known to be all about tractor. I come to realize there is more to why though. Here are two examples as to how tractors became more than iron tools and share life.

My collection is ever changing. One tractor I purchased didn’t actually stay though. I had a Case 830 for only three months. More importantly though, the seller and I have become very good friends. These past years of buying, selling, and trading have been fortunate that I can claim that in most every deal I do.

I didn’t own the tractor long, but Nathan Reinhart and I built a strong friendship bond well beyond that. Nate and I converse many early mornings as we travel for our work. Our topics can be very broad and complex. We have shared wisdom and solved many world crisis together. I kid him that he can just as easy turn his AM/FM on as call me. Our morning talk continues though and I’m hoping will for some time to come.

My life has become very solitary. I have a very hard time allowing anyone in my circle of trust now. This defense is harsh, but those that have become close are very important to me. Another family I share a strong friendship with, came about from restoring my 1947 Farmall H.

Doug Edwards had finished the H and allowed my first viewing of it on Christmas day two years ago. That appointment was special enough discovering my new toy just the same as when I did as a youngster.

I had gone to Franklin that late morning, for the appointment, fully intent not to intrude on Doug’s personal time for very long. Christmas is a time for family and friends, not a business transaction. I soon discovered that I would quickly become included in their circle. It was business, but it was between friends.

I met Jim during that time. The rest of the day and into that evening was shared talking. I had my first viewing of the Edward’s collection. I will always remember that very special day and be forever grateful.

Doug and I still work closely together, helping each other realize a life dream. Its strange how a artistic tractor restorer and a aspiring writer can support each other so well. We do though. I’m thankful for the Edwards family support and encouragement and will always be there for them.

My first writing to be published in a magazine came about as a commission work for Jim. I recently was called on to write again and that article will soon be on the press.

So this is just two examples as to why I’m thankful for tractors. Its not necessarily the iron, its about the owners.

Happy Thanksgiving!

I’m not one to make quick change. After a year of thought, consideration, and consulting with trusted friends I came to decide on the new name. I want to thank my friend James Hunt for the brilliant idea choice. Antique Iron Media closely resembles and shares the same initials as the Antique Iron Mafia that I founded on Facebook four years ago.

The name change is just one of several steps I will be taking to advance my writing further. Steps are being taken to make my musings more searchable on the Internet. Stay tuned for the bigger and better plans to come!

I also want to take the time to Thank those of you that support and follow my writing. Your continuing support means the world to me!

Spring planting has definitely advanced from the past. Amazingly the implement’s basic design hasn’t really changed as much. The modern planter still employs gears and chain drive propelled off the wheels just the same as older planters. Plates are still used to help determine seed population.  Modern planters have larger seed  carry capacities and other advanced technology. The biggest and most obvious change would be size.

The first mechanical planters were, more than likely, powered by horse. The guidance system was probably dead reckoning. This method of guidance is still used some with other farm tools to this day. Not every farmer can afford GPS system. Star wars technology is becoming more common though.

Straighter rows were achieved with the  advancement of simply a guide arm or marker on each end of the planter tool bar. The marker arm acted as a guide placement for the next pass. The farmer would center his tractor on the marked trench created by the arm thus determining the proper row spacing.

Row spacing has been changing throughout the years. When I was younger, the farmer I worked for planted a 36 inch row spacing. That was a common space and had been for some time. Row spacing was starting to narrow to 30 inch creating a better yield since the corn population increased because of more rows.  The farmer I worked for changed to 30 inch spacing in soybeans. It wasn’t quite as simple to change to 30 inch corn rows. During harvest a corn header that was designed for 30 inch was needed. They had a 36 inch header. Headers are expensive. Small grain headers are different designs and can take any row spacing. Smaller grain can be grown closer together. Our farm employed a drill for soybeans with a row spacing of a mere seven inches  Corn row spacing is common at 30 inches now. Some farmers are are growing crops closer together though.

My grandfather told me, years ago, about planters using wire strung across the field to determine seed placement. I was at a show recently discussing the “good ole days” and learned more about this technique. It’s no wonder the farmer of the day didn’t get obese. There was plenty of exercise getting on and off the tractor to move the wire.  Interestingly,  the seed was spaced within the row far enough apart that they culivated with the row and across it.

The planting machine has been evolving. It is increasing in size and row capacity. Once it was a small one or two row, doubling in size to four. Doubling again, and again, and maybe again. I remember tending an 8 row planter and that was a good size with a lot of work involved to plant. The grain company / farm I’m employed by now utilize two planters, a 16 row, and 24. Surprisingly the work tending the large planters has be come easier. It’s hard to believe, but there are bigger planters than that!

New technology came about to increase the planter seed carring capacity. A large seed tank and pushing the seeds to the row via air. Many companies picked up on this and the farmer began spending more time planting and less time actually filling the planter to plant.

Preperation tillage has changed in my time. The soil isn’t worked as much to a point of not at all. No till and modern chemistry has eliminated the need for mechanical weed removal. Some farm tools, like row culivators, are now just history. The mullboard plow isnt as commonly used now because of soil erosion.  It scares my old school type thinking of our agricultural dependancy on chemicals now.

My job, tending the planter, has become easier. Seed came in sacks and each row box had to be frequently filled. Back then tending the planter built muscle, just like handling hay bales. Soybeans where made easier with the use of a auger mounted under the door of a gravity flow wagon. The farm I worked used a John Deere A to move the bulk seed wagon and operate the hydraulic driven auger. Loading the planter boxes and the tank on a drill was made easy.

Now the seed gets delivered, to planters, from large seed boxes. There are special designed trailers that the boxes can be placed and unload into a auger conveyor. It’s now just a simple matter of starting a small engine, open a slide gate and the seed is loaded into the large planter tank. Little fuss and a lot less muscle! The seed corn sack hasn’t become a memory yet though. They still are around. The planter tender needs to know how to operate a fork lift. Also they need the skill to move a top heavy trailer swiftly but carefully to the fields from the storage warehouse. There is other means of tending the seed, the box method was the system, the grain farm/ elevator I work for employs.

GPS technology has made tillage more accurate and efficient. The planter marker is now becoming obsolete. Most planters still have them, but they don’t see much use now.

It was good to be involved with the spring planting again this year. This is my take on then and now….

Years ago, when I was finally old enough to appreciate the man, I remember visiting with my grandfather. Grandpa farmed using horses when he was younger.  The stories of that way of life and memories of the first tractors were very educational. Grandpa witnessed great changes in his lifetime. He never operated a big four wheel, but he did see them in action.

I haven’t always been a farmer like my granddad. My career path put me out on the road, manipulating semi trucks. I figured out I was the most happy working agricultural support though. During the times when I was over the road, I lost touch with the crop growing season. I missed that terribly.  Throughout my lifetime I can safely say I have been witnessing agricultural change. Maybe not as drastic as Grandpa did though.

The past three generations of the Shaw family have always had a hand in the soil, in some way. None of us actually owned the farm though, sort of…… Grandpa worked for a farmer for many years and took over the management of the farm when his employer passed away. Grandpa continued to handle those duties until he retired. We were always very close to the family Grandpa worked for. I always considered the widow another of my grandmothers.

My dad worked part time during the day before going to a “city” job at night. Of course, Dad’s employer was also someone the family grew close to. My dad ended up taking the gentleman in after he retired, until the farmer passed on. They were always close friends and it fit since the fellow had no family after his wife had passed. It seems I had alot of extended grandparents years ago.

It’s sad that the bond felt years ago, created from labor intense togetherness, doesn’t seem as prevalent. Modern farming isn’t the same. Now a day, a large close working team force isn’t required to keep a farm in check. Farms are bigger now, but the work has become easier, fewer people are needed to manage it.

I followed dad’s way of employment during my younger years. I started my career at age 12 working on a father/son managed operation. My initial job was  walking beans and mowing yard. As I matured and got bigger in stature my duties increased. The grain livestock operation grew several acres of hay. In fact there was enough baling done to justify a full time crew throughout much of the year. Our surplus hay was peddled out to smaller operations and recreational farmers.

I didn’t consider it so much a blessing then, but the farm I worked wasn’t totally up to date modern. I do now. Not many my age remember harvesting ear corn, storing the ears in corn cribs. The hard work of shelling the corn from out of cribs. Tractor cabs weren’t standard equipment then. They weren’t as nice as the climate control of today. I spent many years on open station tractors. I braved the sun, dust and other elements. I was also just off enough to enjoy every single minute. This may shed light as to why I collect now.

All through my high school years I continued working for the farm. I wasn’t only a part of the crew, my employers groomed me to supervise in their absense. At the age of 18, I was learning the maturity and difficulty of being the boss. This life experience would soon lead to a small hay operation opportunity of my own. I was the first Shaw to actually own a tractor, and manage my own farm ground, not just operate one for someone else. The triumph was short lived, a 20 year old isn’t always smart enough to understand a good thing when he has it.

I continued to work my first farm job off and on whenever possible. 20 years later, I moved south near Springfield, IL. My career had already taken on a road aspect. I did work for a farmer full time for about a year. It didn’t take long to realize the glamorous life style of working in a hog confinement. I gave up handling the “show girls” and went back to the pursuit of the road. It was at this point in life I discovered I enjoyed ag support. It was the combined pleasure of both loved worlds, farming and the road.

I currently work for a grain company now. I can’t claim to be just employed as a driver though. Driving is my principle duties, but my past experiences allow me to be utilized on the 4000 acre farm operations my employer also have. Some of the farm work is familiar, but I had to modernize  This could be considered my “dream” job. I enjoy being a part of the team.

I will be sharing a series of my “Then and Now views on farming in a few part series here on the blog. I hope that you the readers will enjoy my reminiscent views ……

Every year, since the creation of the Antique Iron Mafia, I have shared insight about the respect deserved by owners displaying on a show line. The public owes gratitude to anyone willing to make effort to restore and present our farming history for viewing. Remember there is a great undertaking to present a tractor or other antique item. Many have taken on their projects as a labor of love and simply ask nothing in return for your enjoyment in viewing. Here are easy rules to bare in mind during attendance of  a tractor event.

** Look with your eyes! Do NOT touch!

Many of these beautiful show quality tractors have undergone many painstakingly long hours to become what they are. There is also a cost factor. Paint and parts are very expensive!

** Stay off and keep your children from climbing on the presented equipment

There is nothing more disrespectful than climbing up on a tractor and / or messing with controls. This is also very unsafe! This could be the cause of accidents.  Also leaving switches on that should be turned off can cause damage. Even though you may have operated, or you have one of the display of your own, does not give you cause to mess with someone else’s property.  If there is a dire need to feel the seat and touch, at least ask. The owner could be nearby, watching you!

I have witnessed people walking along the line up letting their children hop from and climb on each and every tractor along the way. Again this can cause damage. It is also very unsafe, the child could fall. These are agricultural artifacts, not a playground.

The final point I’d like to draw attention to won’t be a popular one. I have actually been witness / and victim. I’m sure many fellow collectors can agree this practice should end.  Everyone has their right to opinion. This right doesn’t give license to criticize. People will actually call attention to flaws and inaccuracies. I have actually had rude comments, sadly from fellow tractor owners. Unless you are judging for a blue ribbon or considering purchase, maybe it would be best to guard against negative comments.  Good natured teasing is one thing, I admit I will do as much. Blatant critical is far worse and can be seen as hurtful.

I have a friend that owns a Farmall H. There is a certain peculiar dent in the fuel tank. The owner will never repair the dent simply because it’s a fond memory. The previous family member that owned the H always fueled with a can. The dent was caused by the repeated leaning to tilt the heavy can.

Simply, if something doesn’t interst you, move along and find something that does. Not everyone has the same tastes and views. There’s nothing wrong with that.

I’ve been roped into having my opinion expressed on equipment I didn’t find of my interest before. In those cases I have simply stated, two factors. My opinion doesn’t matter and I have nicely as I can remarked it not being something I’d collect. However I will celebrate the peice and enjoy learning about it. It’s taken some time to learn for me, but it’s not necessarily about the tractor, it’s the fellowship involved with people in the passion.

Let’s have a great, exciting, friendly show season!

The bigger the toys get, the more involved to haul them. I come from the school of thought “If a person has to continue to borrow a tool, they need to own their own.” I out grew my original tilt top trailer pretty quickly years ago. The original intended use for the trailer was actually my lawn care business transport years ago.  I still have it, to this day, but it definitely isn’t quite suitable to move a full size antique tractor. Even when the number of L&G needing transport increased, it became obvious my hauling capabilities were going to need a change

I am very thankful for my friends that let me “borrow” the use of trailers before I managed to acquire my own tools of transport.

At one time, I had an agreement with my friend Digger Dave to purchase a heavier bumper pull type trailer for my hauling needs. It is a great trailer, but it wasn’t quite suitable for me.

Dave is a fellow collector. He is also someone I frequently pair up with, working together, going to shows. He’s a self employed contractor with large dirt moving equipment. He also owns the transport equipment to move large earth movers. The added perk, the trucks come in quite handy moving antique tractors during a weekend.

Our shared attitude “why just take one or two tractors, when we can go with several!” Digger has several large show pieces, semi tractors become essential in travel logistics.

Last summer I acquired the trailer I needed. Instead of making my tractors think skinny because the hauling deck was low between the wheels. Dave’s trailer sale to me could only handle my Farmall H. My other tractors were to spread out to go between the trailer wheels.  I purchased a deck over style. Problem solved! The added benefit, I could distribute the weight better on my truck, with a fifth wheel type.

 

 

The fifth wheel deck is a nice size, but I have more than one tractor. Surely two bigger can travel together just as easy as one. They can, of course, if the truck power is rated heavy enough. I didn’t have that luxury. My faithful half ton truck can handle one tractor. Two large size is asking to much of it.

My friend Kevin Periman, also knows the hazards and discomforts of trying to haul great big loads with little bitty trucks. He sees no problem of over kill, actually in our companion circle it’s more the rule and not a exception . To much power and size is much better than not quite enough. We phrase it different as in referring to the size of a derriere. ” Ya could be out class, if ya ain’t go enough …. “.

Kevin has set up a Freightliner single axle truck to easily do the work of a one ton pick up. His truck set up has brawn, the greater ability. I like that train of thought.

I had a dream! I also have the right friends to make it reality. I wanted to follow along with Kevin’s idea only I wanted it just a little different. I like antique and decided to seek an old grain truck to create my toy hauler. The truck would be rated more than adequate to handle my growing transporting need, I hope, but one never knows. If I found a suitable truck that was unique, it could be a toy to show off just like my tractors it hauled.

I found just the right appeal! A 1971 Dodge C-500 was for sale near by. The grain truck was ready for retirement and had just the look I sought. Doug Edwards was already on board since I was considering a Chrysler. The Edwards empire is in firm support of Mopar.  The purchase of the truck was an adventure in itself, but like any other “toy deal” I came away with yet another friend.

 

Doug and I could vision diamonds. When we looked at the truck we were seeing something entirely different than a worn grain truck. We sat discussing and planning over adult beverages one evening.  At one point Doug looks up, from pictures on his phone, and shows me a truck. “Ya should just go buy this” he confides “Its already to go!”.

Doug had found another Dodge series C. this one was the next model bigger, the C-700, and had spent life as a shuttle tractor. I liked it! This truck wasn’t going to take the work entailed to become a toy wagon. It was ready to go, in fact it could pull a semi trailer. It had the experience. Never occurring to me it was available, I just referred to a picture model of what could be accomplished. It had a price tag I found a little above my intended budget, at first. We hadn’t actually determined a cost factor yet for the C-500.

I found out, through the grapevine, that Digger had found a truck and was intent on purchasing. The truck catching his eye was a C-700. In fact, it was the same truck Doug had found on line. I wouldn’t step on Digger making his deal, and had hopes of his purchase. It would be pretty cool to arrive at a show, in convoy, with similar Dodge trucks. Digger gave me the green light to pursue the C-700 a few days later. He had decided to seek out something else.

It was go! I made some calls and arranged for ownership. It seems my standard operating procedure, I not only made another successful “toy” purchase, I’ve come away with yet another friend.

Doug and I made a road trip to Wisconsin.

From this point, I’m leaving the story on the cliff. The spoiler alert, well the truck is in process of becoming my coolest toy of all. “Big Red” deserves a story tell all of her own

I’m planning to write a series in the coming few publications aptly titled “Maybe its not just about the iron” This series will share my observations and stories about the life blood to the “tractor” passion, the people.

No one can admit to having the perfect job. I do have to say my current work situation is perfect for me in the case of feeling the pulse of the “antique tractor” world. It’s probably of no surprise, I don’t get through a day without talking about tractors. Many people that I associate with in my employed industry share my interests. I drive a semi for a local grain elevator. One of my most favorite aspects of the job,  is on farm grain pick up. Once my trailer is staged under the auger, I’m going to be loading for a measured amount of time. This is a great opportunity to visit with a farmer. What of course is a great topic to discuss as an ice breaker?

Even though on farm pick up is my favorite part of the job, my employer doesn’t always agree it’s his best choice to send me. I have a reputation, now, of being a “tractor nut” and the farmers enjoy seeing my truck arrive. I have been distracted during loading and scaled in, at the elevator, overloaded. I am continually reminded to stay focused on my job. I can’t help the fact our customer base and I have a common passion!

I recently loaded for a farmer I had looked forward to talking with. This particular farmer is a fellow collector, in fact his experiences are well documented by a skilled writer I admire. He transports most of his grain himself, since he owns semis. I was pretty excited to actually get to visit one on one. All the other times we had encountered one another were always at shows. The hustle and bustle doesn’t always permit a quality conversation.

There may not be honor among thieves, but I hope there is among writers. Keith Ladage is Cindy’s other half. There isn’t much material I can share that Cindy hasn’t written about, even if I would do that. Cindy is far more advanced in the writing world and has actually been published. An accomplishment I still strive toward. I would hope any of this blog’s following reads her articles as well.

Keith and I talked tractor, but we discovered other commonality. I already was aware of his interest in aircraft. It was fun listening to his flight stories and having the opportunity to share mine from years ago.

He shared pictures of his favorite tractor pieces and talked about his future plans of restoring, buying, and selling. I had to smile, wondering how he planned to have time to restore though. He and his lovely wife are well traveled. I highly doubt Cindy has plans to slow down for some time to come. Keith likes to get around to shows and they are a great match. I’m wondering when he’s going to have time to be in the shop.

Keith’s brother, Wayne, is another of our elevator customers. Wayne doesn’t show tractors like Keith, but he does have several nice old tractors around his farm. He still uses his here and there so his collection isn’t really retired. I have made many on farm pick ups for Wayne and can’t help noticing there is always a different tractor powering the auger when we load out. I have to wonder if its just a certain tractor’s turn for a work out or he does it knowing I appreciate seeing the different tractors operate.

I remember two years ago after he had come to realize how much I enjoy antique tractors, I got a private tour of the whole collection. He waited until all the other drivers had gone on their way. After looking around, making sure the coast was clear, he slowed the loading operation down and we were off looking at what he had. Of course I took my load into the elevator, overloaded!

The elevator has a few more farmers that enjoy having the classics. Bob Hogan always has a different auger tractor for me to check over. Tim Seifert has a beautifully restored Farmall 856 I actually got pirated away to view during a wedding reception I was attending at his house. I can’t say as it was a kidnapped distraction that was unexpected though. The couple we were honoring know me quite well to expect such things. In fact my 656 is housed in the machine shed on their farm.

It’s obvious, I don’t get through a day without talking tractor. I would think this writing documents the reasoning. Just another day in the life of a country boy with the tractor passion

 

This past weekend I took part in a royal dinner party. Granted most people in my social standing just consider it having supper together. Doug Edwards and I had planned the gathering and I had looked forward to the meal with eager anticipation.

I’m sure there are black tie events that still happen. Most gatherings I attend seem not to have a dress code though. I learned etiquette as I grew up. Now a day I very seldom, pretty much not at all, wear a jacket and or tie. I’m not seen wearing a shirt with a collar all that often. I have had to, of course, and I do know proper use of silverware, but I’d rather not have to worry about spilling and culinary debris on my clothing.

I highly doubt anyone that follows this blog or has involvement with the Antique Iron Mafia”  would look down their nose at country folk. I’d think we all ARE country folk! Maybe some of us still were bib overalls, eat fried chicken and baked beans with our fingers and drink moonshine. Ok I, for one, don’t drink moonshine, but I do prefer wearing bibs, fried chicken is favored, and some things are easier to eat with fingers. I’m sure my point is seen. Who else wishes to admit guilt for being country?

Saturday was a work day. Many projects were being completed at Jim’s shop. Jim, Doug, and Jason more than likely work like that all the time, I was just welcomed into the mix. Doug “super tuned”  my newly aquired M and was teaching an old dog tricks that should have been learned a long time ago.

The transition into our evening social event went smoothly. Tools were put away, tables were set up, the grill was warming up, and Doug and I went into KP mode for our wonderful three course steak dinner. Marcy had made a salad and cheese cake. Marlene made a green bean casserole. Everything is so much better with a green bean casserole! Rib eyes, grilled mushrooms, and grilled sliced potatoes made our 5 star meal complete.

I believe it was Doug who mentioned our dinning hall in the shop might have been a little to quaint for the jet set elite. My response to that was to ask why? Restaurants chose to decorate in a similar manner? The only difference in our dining service was it was more intimate and family. It was self service.

Ok so we’re not eating of of bone China and drinking from crystal glasses either. Honestly would food taste any different? Paper plates are far easier to clean. I personally am a little uncomfortable having someone hovering awaiting to attend my needs anyway. I don’t see any need in discussing the men’s room. I’m writing an article about class after all. Anyone country knows to wit I refer anyway.

A dignitary would more than likely be welcome at any event I go to. The only waiting on their wishes might simply be handing them a beer “since u is up”. That would only be if they had asked and nicely. They better not act to uppity and expect it all the time though, and return the gesture. Jason made comment “It’s nice to be important, but it’s more important to be nice”

Our time together that evening even went international for a brief instant. Yes there were red tractors near by, but I’m referring being in communication, via a text, with my little brother currently stationed in Korea. If that doesn’t impress, how about the fact we were dining with a look a like to a country legend!

Disclaimer: I don’t expect everyone to get the country legend implication.

I have been to many different social gatherings over the years. I find it really interesting that lately many of them have been held in or near the barn. It would stand to reason considering, I tend to surround myself with country people anyway. Breaking bread with the Edwards family is an example I consider dining with royalty. In that train of thinking ALL my friends are cherished in the form of royalty.

Whether you wear Armani or Carhartt, drive a Porsche or a pick up, everyone has their own sense of class and style. It’s not in clothes or other personal trapping. True measure is your actions and attitude. Now that’s how class is displayed.  I’m just glad to learn the wisdom of who I am and who I wish to associate with. My close friends are enrichment and bring joy to my life. I can only hope they feel the same of me.

 

 

A little over a week ago, Doug Edwards introduced me to a new friend. Jessica Mullen was a part of our group when I was invited to take part in the Shiloh Valley plow adventure. This was Jessica’s first experience to be around antique tractors. During the day, our friendship grew. I was so impressed by how she reacted to being involved to something totally new to her.

Jessica has the potential to be a great wordsmith in her own right. She and I have become friends on Facebook and most of this following will be in her words. It’s fun to see that her take on the event has very similar parallels to mine. When I created my recent published piece, I had been multitasking texting with her. I left out some description of the day so that she could share it from a new comer perspective.

Jessica:     When I was originally asked to attend a plow day in Belleville, IL I almost declined. I have no idea about tractors and plows and never thought I would have interest in them. Finally I agreed, thinking it would be great to take a day away from the hustle of life

On Friday, during my first time to be on the Edwards farm, The shed doors started to open I saw the smiles, and listened to the chatter of which tractors were going. I was being told what was what, but I just listened as I had no clue. I was impressed by the collection. The engines started to fire up, that was the moment there was an inkling of excitement starting. Even with me.

Saturday morning, with everything loaded, we took off. Even the convoy of trucks, trailers, tractors, and plows were exciting. Just outside town I realized I had forgotten my phone! I thought for a moment to go back, but said “keep going”. It was the best decision I made.

We arrived at the event, I was still kind of wanting to stay out of the way, yet I jumped in when I could. I watched as this family and their friend excitedly and proudly unloaded everything working as a team. I watched as other tractors were being unloaded. People helped other people when needed. Teams of horses moving through.

Then it was time to head to the fields, and they said “get up there too!” I climbed up on my first tractor only to ride a few feet and be asked to get down. ” Dang insurance!” Rick and Corey were right there with the golf cart so I jumped on and the days laughter began. Everyone was patient with all my questions, explained things and I had a little more knowledge than I thought already.

The first fields we saw were for the plow horses. I was in awe, I wanted to pet them all. Watching them plow was outstanding, their muscles,team work. It was beautiful.

Next came the fields for the guys to plow in. There were so many tractors, old ones, new ones, loud ones, obnoxious loud ones, really cool ones like the tandem I fell in love with.

Yeah I fell in love with a tractor!

Through out the day I would hop from cart to cart. Sometime with Marcy and Marlene, or with Corey, Rick and Jason

I have to add to Jessica’s narrative, She adapted quickly to her surroundings and fit in like she had always been a farm girl. She did get right in the mix and became a team player. Insurance can interfere, but we did get her back on a tractor.

Jessica:  As the day went on I noticed at many points I could actually smell the dirt and how clean and glorious it smells. Clearly in life I had forgot to stop and smell the dirt! Riding beside the plows, watching the dirt move was almost entrancing. I looked up, at one point, taking a deep breath, and started counting tractors. 1,2,3,….12 I started to smile. Here is this event I thought I would have no interest in, and I found myself fully embraced in all the excitement and this other world I didn’t even know I had a love for.

Finally it was my turn to plow they said….”No Thanks” I said…..That was clearly not going to fly. As I climbed up on the seat I thought ‘this is a bad idea’. Doug stated “just drive and I’m going to the golf cart”…I don’t think so! And then I just started. I was driving a tractor and plowing. All of a sudden it was joy, happiness, tranquility, and serenity.

Yes a love was born that day, the simplicity of it all. The amazing comradery, love, and bond. I was fortunate enough to watch within this group of people I had just met. The way they were all kind and gracious to me, this new comer of the day.

Leaving my phone behind and actually being able to smell the dirt and be completely present the entire day, I was already a blessed woman, even more so on November 4th. I do not know if I will ever be to another event like that. I may never plow or drive a tractor again, but I’m so grateful I went. I would suggest to anyone to go ahead leave the phone, take your family and attend one. This was an amazing location, with a collection and museum. Beyond what I ever imagined in my mind.

I have assured Jessica this will not be her last time to be invited to a tractor event.  She’s no where near done exploring the antique tractor world, unless she really wants to be. My new found friend has great descriptive skill, which I hope we hear more of her perspective in the future. One never knows, she may be seen next year happily waving and smiling her high wattage smile from a red tractor. All though her last quote in the narrative, she may have a tractor of her own!

Jessica:  “Now to quit my day job and just buy tractors!!”

I don’t know, but it sounds like we may have another tractor addict in the making.

I’m going to let Jessica tell about the museum

Jessica:  The museum at Shiloh Valley Farm was spectacular. Not only were there thousands of things to see like old carriages, trinkets, tools, seats and very old tractors. there were two floors of it all, a side shop where the newer model tractors were. The entire thing blew my mind. Where does one find all of this and what is this?!

Once again I was completely present to the smell of lacquer on the floors that was rich through the air. The hand rails were sanded and so smooth. The place was spotless and easy to move through. Even the bridge we took to get to it was cool. I myself enjoyed the old carriages, they were beautiful.

Thanks Jessica, for showing what the event looked like from your eyes.

Marlene didn’t find the bridge so cool, Of course Jim, Doug, and…. okay…. I admit me a little were bouncing on it to scare her. I agree the bridge was pretty neat. The comradery  Jessica speaks about can get silly. Marcy, I still found corn cob bits in my pockets after we all said our good byes for the day!

If you ask, Jessica will also tell you how gracious the Edwards family can be. There are so many families just like them too.

Its nice to envision what a new comer, to the scene, experiences. I’m glad her experience was a happy one. I take for granted just how blessed I am to be a very small part of the grand scheme of tractors.

 

I have often considered that I may need to evaluate my idea of fun. There’s just something about operating a tractor, for any reason, that brings me joy though. I discovered a long time ago that I’m not the only person willing to work and consider it play. The past couple of weekends I’ve worked /played at plowing with some of my great friends, the Edwards clan.

Recreational plowing has been a popular late fall activity for a great while. I have been to a few plowing events, but never really got to participate for obvious reasons. I didn’t own the right size tractor! There are garden tractor plow events however, I just haven’t attended one yet. I wouldn’t doubt it originated from neighbors helping neighbors years ago.

Horse drawn implements make the events even more popular. Horses going quietly about the labor is a sight to behold. A well trained working team are quite nice to observe. My personal desire to plow more modern, driving a tractor may seem lazier to the horse person perspective. Along the lines of horse drawn, I’ll just step back and watch.

Two weeks ago was our trail, so to speak, for the main event last weekend. It was my first opportunity to plow with a tractor I owned. The misfortune was my recently purchased M didn’t wish to run correctly. Old tractors are like old people. They may function normally, but need the extra love and attention deserved.

Even though my M went on the trailer for an early ride home, I still got my chance to have a wheel in the furrow. The Edwards family are very generous with their friends, and they had taken more than enough tractors for everyone. In fact, that Saturday most of the tractors plowing were owned by the Edwards family.

It felt more like winter when we plowed on October 28th. In fact there were snowflakes seen falling now and then. The smell and sight of the rich black dirt being rolled over is just relaxing. I had forgotten what it’s like to be watching from the seat, but on these weekends I was right there in the elements. Not looking through dirty glass in a noisy cab. Well to be fair, Jim and Marlene did plow with a cab tractor. They were out of the elements

Doug had invited me along for the second weekend plowing several weeks previously. He wouldn’t give me much details as to where we were going and kept it very secret. He monitored anyone that had been there having any conversation with me. All I was allowed to know was I was going to be very surprised and thoroughly enjoy myself.  Bill Robb tried to enlighten me somewhat, but Doug did everything short of having Bill sign a gag order.

The Friday before we left was a hurried last minute preparation. At one point I wasn’t even sure I’d be able to even go. Plans made, sometimes change and what was thought could be transported with three trucks ended up needing a fourth. Jim hauled one plowing unit, a John Deere 730 with an Oliver 4 bottom semi mount plow. Jason hauled the two golf carts. Doug had the Oliver 88 Standard behind his truck, and I brought a three bottom pull type for the Oliver behind my truck. I won’t go into the comedy of loading in the dark and the trial and error. I will however commend how well we all worked together to over come and adapt. I’m sure the father and three sons have always worked together in a finely tuned fashion, but I felt honored to become a part of the team.

Saturday morning we headed out on the hour and half journey. I’m sure we looked awsome cool in convoy, even though my 150 stuck out as an odd ball with the three Dodge trucks. Today’s weather was going to be much more comfortable than the previous weekend, even though there was risk of rain.

So my first impression, Wow! Doug’s surprise was complete. We arrived at a show/event that could be compared to a farm progress show in sorts. First glimpse was a huge farm in the Shiloh valley outside Bellville, IL. The traffic, hustle, and bustle was evident that something big was happening though.

The eight of us worked together again and got ready to plow. Jim, Marlene Cummins, Jason, Marcy, Doug, Cory, and a newly made friend Jessica Mullen made up the troop. (My next article post will be a interview with Jessica sharing her perspective)

There was so much going on, the Renner farm is huge. They  own a farm and country life museum and the tractor collection was tremendous. The key to the collection was having every single type John Deere four wheel drive.

Even more horses were going about farm labor, tractors of all types color, size were turning the dirt. There was a threshing demonstration happening as well. Activities abound! It was hard to imagine that this open house event was put on by a one family.

Plowing was a little rough this time. We were plowing cornstalk ground and dealing with constant plug ups. I don’t remember back in the day having a golf cart full of people riding along and jumping to the operator’s aide, but it was nice for this day. Didn’t I mention teamwork is pretty special?

November 4th was a special day that I will look back and smile thinking about. October 28th, even being a cold, I was warmed by my friendship with a wonderfully special family.