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Story Subject Category: Penfield
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By host and producer Alison Davis Wood
Since I didn’t grow up on farm, I could never quite understand why so many people are interested in antique tractors. But then I married a farmer and it started to make sense. When I asked my husband Rob why farmers spent so much time and money restoring old tractors, he said, “You remember all the memories of working with that tractor. It got you through some tough days and some hard times. You look back and realize how many hours you spent riding that tractor.” When I went to Historic Farm Days, I heard these sentiments echoed by everyone. For some, that old John Deere, Case or International was a part of the family.
The I and I Tractor Club puts on an incredible event every year in Penfield. The highlight each day is the Big Parade where many of the tractors take a lap around the grounds. It gives you a chance to see exactly how these old machines operate and how much work went into making them run like new again. But one of the best parts of Historic Farm Days is the field demonstrations, where you get to actually smell the freshly cut hay and hear the engines chug. It also allows you to truly appreciate how today’s tractors are much safer and easier to operate.
When I heard Don Walser’s “John Deere Tractor Song,” I knew it was a perfect fit for this story. I have always been a fan of Don Walser and there is something special to hear him sing “I love the smell of fresh plowed ground.” My husband put it on his i-pod and plans to sing along from his own green tractor.
Segment duration: 06:25
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Producer: Alison Davis Wood
Chief Camera - Segment: Tim Hartin and Virginia Steffen
This segment is filed in these categories: Agriculture/Agribusiness • Antiques/Collectibles • Penfield
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