What is more fitting for the owner of an organic orange grove to display than an orchard tractor? It was perfect for Richard Lingenfetter, who claims to be a “certified tractor nut.”

At this year’s Florida Flywheelers Antique Tractor and Gas Engine Show he had his beautiful 1953 DO Case tractor on display, along with a couple other pristine models that he restored. Richard, who originally lived in Pennsylvania, has been a Florida resident since 1982. He raised wheat and beef cows.

Once he moved south, he purchased an orange grove and became a citrus farmer, along with being in the building industry. After a few years of crop failure, Richard decided to go organic.

“My dad taught me when you spend more than you make you’ll go broke. For three years, the oranges didn’t do anything. That is when I heard I could go organic,” he said.

“I don’t spray; I use chicken manure for fertilizer. I hire that done, the manure is high in nitrogen and when things go organic, you get as many good bugs as bad.” Richard’s organic oranges are used in Uncle Matt’s Organic Juice, as well as being sold at a local IGA.
During the Flywheelers, which took place in February, Richard said his trees were just coming into bloom. The organic way of growing has resulted in rather unexpected wildlife that can make being a citrus farmer exciting: “There are a lot of coyotes and wild hogs. I kill about two pigs a week; they eat the fruit that drops on the ground.”

According to a wild boar hunter website, it is estimated there are around one million wild hogs in the state of Florida. The pigs populate quickly and can reach 100 pounds in 12 months, and eat all kinds of foods – which would account for the oranges. The oranges may taste good to the animals because chemicals are not allowed in organic farming.

While there seems to be no way to keep the hogs at bay, to keep bugs to a minimum Richard shared, “As an herbicide to kill weeds, I use 200-proof grain vinegar from a brewery down the road.”
While he is now into citrus farming, he still loves old tractors, and old cars and trucks. The first tractor Richard ever owned was a John Deere. While he still loves the Deeres, these days he collects all brands and the beautiful 1956 D Orchard Case is one example.
“I now have 56 tractors and I have a little of everything,” he said.
The tractors he likes are ones with unique options. He also restores and often sells them, as well. All of the tractors Richard had on hand at the show, he restored himself. “I will be 67 in April and I work every day,” he said.

Readers with questions or comments for Cindy Ladage may write to her in care of this publication.