It is a new year, and time to mark the calendar for the upcoming Gathering of the Green, a celebration of everything John Deere-green.

For those who enjoy antique tractors and JD literature and memorabilia, this is a must-attend convention-style conference. Ken Reese, who heads up the event, said, “This show is held every other year, and is dedicated to John Deere antique two-cylinder and New Generation tractor restorers, collectors and enthusiasts.

“The event is composed of 50-plus technical and historical workshops, many  vendors, displays, three evening speakers, opening night reception, trips and tours, fun auction and ending banquet with a keynote speaker.”

This is a big event for those into JD Green. In fact, the last Gathering in March 2010 garnered more than 2,000 JD enthusiasts from 37 states. Ken added that there were also attendees from Canada, Australia and The Netherlands.

One of the best things about this show is the amount of knowledge a collector can learn. Questions from “What color paint should I use on my JD 60?” to “What is the right emblem for this piece of equipment?” can all be answered by someone at the show.

This seventh conference will be March 14-17 at the River Center in Davenport, Iowa. Rooms are getting scarce, so now is the time to register for the event (the closing date is Feb. 15) and to sign up for any tours or events you want to attend. Many, like the factory tours, filled up very quickly.

Don’t be daunted, though, by the quick fill-up; there is still a lot to do and see at this conference, where everything is planned and decorated to smallest detail.

“The theme of the 2012 conference is ‘Generations of Power.’ Our displays will focus on the new John Deere company from 1911-12 to 2012,” Ken explained. “Shortly after the turn of the century, Deere & Company began to purchase other implement-related companies, including the company which manufactured the Waterloo Boy tractor. The four sponsoring John Deere antique tractor clubs will replicate period Deere dealerships during this 100-year time frame.

“As mentioned above, there will be at least 50 technical and historical workshops. For example, there will be a workshop on the Lindeman crawlers, led by a gentleman who worked for Jesse Lindeman. The grandson of Theo Brown, who designed numerous implements and implement improvements for Deere and holds over 150 U.S. patents, will lead a workshop on his grandfather’s working years at Deere & Company.

“In addition there will be numerous technical workshops on topics such as clutches, painting, carburetors, magnetos – the topics go on and on.”

Experts such as evening speakers Ken Buell, a retired Deere manager, and Corey Rabe, longtime customer service representative for Deere, will be on hand. Holly Spangler, associate editor of Prairie Farmer magazine, will share tales of being a farm wife and professional ag writer. The banquet keynote speaker will be Ray Defenbaugh.

Please see the Gathering website at www.gatheringofthegreen.com for additional details, including the conference and workshop schedules. The advance registration deadline for the full conference is Feb. 15, and Ken recommends registering online for the full conference.

For details, call Gathering Information at 815-910-2500 or Ken at 815-578-8635, or email kwreese@aol.com

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