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Antique tractor collectors gather to share their favorite restorations Sept. 14-16 in Grand Island, Neb.

Curt Arens, Editor, Nebraska Farmer

August 11, 2021

1 Min Read
Antique tractor row at HHD
OLD IRON: These antique tractors may be old iron to some, but for many farmers who recall driving them in their youth, these machines trigger memories in the tractor seat. For younger generations, antique tractors are interesting to see and to contrast with the massive, high-tech machines of today. Mindy Ward

Antique farming equipment has been a popular attraction at Husker Harvest Days for more than 30 years. Farmers, both young and old, enjoy seeing where agriculture has been with these antique displays, along with learning about where agriculture is going through the present-day farm technology exhibits and demonstrations on the show grounds.

Visitors looking for older equipment at  Husker Harvest Days should head to the antique tractor exhibits in the southeast corner of the show grounds on Lot 1122. This year the location of the display moved, but there are plenty of exhibitors to talk with, many of them have attended each and every HHD show dating back to the beginning.

During the show’s 40th anniversary in 2017, several exhibit organizers brought tractors and tillage implements that were not quite antiques but had been used during the first show in 1978. Some of the organizers at this year’s event actually helped in fall 1977 to prepare the field site before the first show in 1978.

Many of the tractors on display have been meticulously restored to their former glory, so they have a little shine in the paint and gloss on the tires. Organizer, Howard Raymond of Wellfleet, Neb., says at this year’s show, organizers are planning to display antique lawn tractors and small engines, as well as large farm tractors.

While many of those helping with the antique displays use the latest in technology and equipment on their own farms, they enjoy looking back to the history of agriculture and preserving that heritage.

So step back in time at Husker Harvest Days, Sept. 14-16, in Grand Island, Neb., and visit the antique tractor display because there’s always something new to see and, maybe, an implement, tractor or artifact that you’ve never seen before.

About the Author(s)

Curt Arens

Editor, Nebraska Farmer

Curt Arens began writing about Nebraska’s farm families when he was in high school. Before joining Farm Progress as a field editor in April 2010, he had worked as a freelance farm writer for 27 years, first for newspapers and then for farm magazines, including Nebraska Farmer.

His real full-time career, however, during that same period was farming his family’s fourth generation land in northeast Nebraska. He also operated his Christmas tree farm and grew black oil sunflowers for wild birdseed. Curt continues to raise corn, soybeans and alfalfa and runs a cow-calf herd.

Curt and his wife Donna have four children, Lauren, Taylor, Zachary and Benjamin. They are active in their church and St. Rose School in Crofton, where Donna teaches and their children attend classes.

Previously, the 1986 University of Nebraska animal science graduate wrote a weekly rural life column, developed a farm radio program and wrote books about farm direct marketing and farmers markets. He received media honors from the Nebraska Forest Service, Center for Rural Affairs and Northeast Nebraska Experimental Farm Association.

He wrote about the spiritual side of farming in his 2008 book, “Down to Earth: Celebrating a Blessed Life on the Land,” garnering a Catholic Press Association award.

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