by Allison Lund

While the Farm Progress Show features cutting-edge equipment, it will also have a display dedicated to the place where it all began. At Antique Row, visitors can step back in time and see early tractors and equipment at the southwest corner of the showgrounds in Decatur, Ill.

Chat with folks who have traveled from far and wide to share their own piece of history. Various collectors groups can answer questions about their tractors and experiences. Groups so far include:

Classics on display: Between the J.I. Case Collector’s Association and the other collectors organizations, there will be a wide variety of antique pieces displayed at Antique Row for the 2023 Farm Progress Show in Decatur, Ill.

Keeping history alive

It can be difficult to imagine what farming used to look like compared to what it looks like today, especially for the younger generation. Visiting Antique Row provides the opportunity to observe and learn, which lends itself to a deeper appreciation for how farming began and evolved.

“We want them to see how things were done in the past and how far we have come,” says Irvin Sorge, treasurer of the J.I. Case Collector’s Association. He says this will be the first Farm Progress Show his group will attend. He hopes the show’s youngest visitors will see where all of the new equipment found today started long ago.

Sorge says his organization is hoping to spark interest among the show visitors who may be looking to join a collectors group. They recognize that this show poses an opportunity to share their passion with others, and their group is eager to welcome new members.

“Our group is trying to promote ourselves and keep the history alive,” he adds. “We know there’s lots of people out there that either have Case equipment or have had it.”

A lot of logistics is involved to get members and equipment from this international organization lined up for the show, and Sorge looks forward to working with state and local groups as the show nears.

Visitors can expect a wide variety of tractors from the J.I. Case Collectors Association and all of the organizations. Sorge plans to see vintage pieces from the 1940s, ’50s and ’60s coming from his group.

The 2023 Farm Progress Show is Aug. 29-31. Learn more at FarmProgressShow.com.

Lund is a Farm Progress intern.