donna's blog

I received an e-mail from an individual who felt insulted while attending their local county fair this weekend. While admiring the antique tractors her family witnessed three antique tractor enthusiasts verbally expressing themselves inappropriately.

I realize it has become more common for individuals to engage in rough and vulgar language in public. That does not make it right, especially when you are representing your club, organization, or employer. You’re speaking for your club or group, whether you realize it or not, making each member guilty by association.

As we celebrate this country’s 234th birthday take a few minutes and remember why we celebrate this day.

Ask anyone what the 4th of July reminds them of, and most will tell you it is fireworks, family picnics, a day off work, and partying?

What does is mean to me? To me it is a time to be thankful that I live in a country whose fore fathers had the presence of mind to set up a government that allows me the right to choose. I can choose to do the work I enjoy, live where I wish, and change my mind and do something else if I so desire. That is what it means to be an American.

If you are interested in owning an antique tractor and lack the skill or desire to start from scratch building one, or if you are one of us that is reluctant to begin a project that may cost more than you wish to invest, an aucion is a good place to start. You can stop bidding when the price gets to your limit and the seller won't be insulted. However you have to be ready to buy and bid quickly because the auctioneer and other bidders don't mess around.

When selling your equipment at auction, watch for hidden fees that can cost you money. Be sure you get it in writing what you will be paying for and how much. While most auctioneers are honest and up front, every now and then you run across one that seeks to not only, feather his nest, but plump the feathers as well?

At one time or another most farmers have responded to, or placed an advertisement for a piece of equipment “for sale by owner”. Selling a piece of equipment to another individual is often a good way to dispose of good equipment you no longer need. Many of these ads are found in local newspapers, shopper type magazines, and the Internet.

The 2010 edition of Iron Memories arrived from the printer two short weeks ago. We couldn't help but notice how vivid the colors are this year. From cover to cover this years participants supplied us with some wonderful photos and stories of their tractor.

Yesterday I received a call from one participant, who said that when he gave his sister her copy she read the entire publication before putting it down.

Over the years I have heard many antique tractor collectors talk about the number of awards and trophies their antique tractor has received at tractor shows. There was a time when collectors described themselves as being “true to their colors” and would bad-mouth another tractor, if it didn’t wear the same insignia as their favorite brand. The current trend among collectors is to respect all antique tractors, no matter what name is on the hood. Collectors often tell me, that they won’t even attend a show that judges tractors on which one looks the best.