ALL ABOUT TRACTORS BY PAUL WALLEM The annual CES show grows larger each year, as does its agricultural presence. Held in Las Vegas, this year’s show featured a lot of new ag technology. During the earlier years of Precision Farming, most middle-aged and older farmers avoided the new technology equipment, feeling it was too difficult to understand. Now, over 20 years later, the majority of producers have used some or a lot of new equipment, realizing that labor shortages and the need for better yields require the change. USDA reports that 52 percent of midsize farms and 70 percent of large operations use precision-guided autosteer. The interesting story here is that agriculture is well ahead of public awareness. Two big ag shows – 62 miles apart Half Century of Progress and the Farm Progress Show occur every other year in Illinois. This year’s Half Century Show will be Aug. 21-24 in Rantoul, Ill. It will be at the old Chanute Air Force Base, presenting a vivid display of past agriculture, including pre-WWII equipment. A huge display of tractors came from all over the country, as did earlier combines, shellers, and implements. Planning involves planting corn and soybeans to be harvested during the show. Combines and corn pickers operate in the field, followed by tillage tools. Ear corn goes to shellers for their demonstration. Golf carts can be reserved in advance, and food and merchandise tents are all over the grounds. One week later and 62 miles away, the Farm Progress Show is entirely different. On Aug. 26-28, this event is entirely about modern agriculture. The latest tractors, combines, and other machines will be on display, and factory reps will be available to answer questions. Over 600 exhibitors will present the newest technology in agriculture, including robot and drone demonstrations. At least a day at each of these two shows will provide a picture of agriculture from pre-WWII to the future. I try to attend both, and it is time well spent. I think you will, too. There are numerous other outdoor farm shows during 2025, including Husker Harvest Days at Grand Island, Neb., on Sept. 10-12 and Ohio Farm Science Review on Sept. 17-19. FFA Alumni Toy Show Those of you who attend farm toy shows have noticed that tractors make up most of the items for sale. Old ones in need of restoration, older models still in the box, and new models are all for sale. The annual FFA Alumni Toy Sale at Serena, Ill., High School has similar offerings, but more. Many craft items are offered and made by FFA alumni. Embroidered pillowcases, dish towels, hand-crafted jewelry, and a lot more. Home-made bakery items and on-site lunches are items not usually seen at the bigger toy sales, but the FFA families do it here. As always, toy tractors are available, and this show had many of them for sale. One vendor had all-aluminum riders representing various tractor models, including Ford New Holland riders I had not seen before. A beautiful custom-painted Case IH rider will be offered to a winning raffle ticket. International Harvester Collectors Club Chapter 2 had these tickets for sale. Another booth sold raffle tickets for a John Deere rider with a trailer. The most expensive rider’s price tag was $650 for a battered Farmall 560 badly in need of restoration. If you haven’t attended a farm toy show, I recommend it. Lots of memories! Today’s BURMA-SHAVE memory: The One who drives - When he’s been drinking, Depends on you - To Do His Thinking. Please email me with topics you would like to know more about. If you are a collector, tell me about your tractors. Paul Wallem was raised on an Illinois dairy farm. He spent 13 years with corporate IH in domestic and foreign assignments before retiring to own and operate two IH dealerships. He is the author of THE BREAKUP of IH and SUCCESSES & INDUSTRY FIRSTS of IH. See all his books on www.PaulWallem.com. |
