[SJackson]

If you'd like to be on or off this middle east/political ping list, please FR mail me.

[11B3]

Good post. I spent my life in small towns for the most part, along with some BIG cities, and now find myself living on a farm and learning all of these tractor lessons on my own. She was lucky. She didn't have to maintain that equipment - operating it is the fun part. Now that I've become a farmer, I'll never go back to 'civilization'. Hell no.

FMCDH

[FairWitness]

Thanks for the memories, from another former farm kid. Learning to plan what to do before getting to the corner, or to the row end, was absolutely crucial on my dad's 160 acre Wisconsin dairy farm. Since it was dairy, there were fences around every field; since it was hilly (thanks to the last ice age), and there were more than a few "gullies", there seemed to be more corners than straightaways. If I tore up a section of fence, I got to repair it in addition to the other chores, giving added incentive to get it right the first time.

Anticipation is probably the most useful skill every farm kid learns to master.
I agree. However, since fewer and fewer kids get to learn on the farm, I would add that playing baseball (or softball) also teaches anticipation. Baseball, unlike basketball and even football which rely more on reflex and instinct, is a series of "set pieces". Players have time to review before each new play where they are and what their options are for the next play. There are choices to be made, but they are finite in number and anticipation will give you a "first step" advantage. "You can't teach speed", but you can teach anticipation.

[SWake]

Good article. Tuesday afternoon, I get to start my annual shredding. Provided it doesn't rain (unlikely) or the 31 year old Ford doesn't break down (more likely).

[Pure Country]

Great article. We're heading out this weekend to Ohio for my Father's last farm auction. He's 85 and finally parting with the small stuff--the antique tractors that he just couldn't part with when he had his "going out of farming" auction 20 years ago.

It's going to be really hard to see the tractor go that all the kids: nieces and nephews, cousins, grandkids and great-grandkids have ridden on in the last 50 years or so. I'm thinkin' bout talkin my husband into buying it for old times sake--I'm sure that it would fit in with our big machinery of today. I want my grandkids and great-grandkids to have a chance to have the same ride that we all did those many years ago.

[EverOnward]

My first toy was a tractor that looked like the one my Dad drove. I learned to drive the tractor when I was so little I couldn't sit on the seat (learned to lean up against it) and push the peddles at the same time. First time I tried putting the thing in gear to go backwards, I went straight through the barn. This farm girl has been off the farm for a long time now, but my life's lessons were learned there.

BTW anyone see THE (ALVIN) STRAIGHT STORY put out by Disney in 1999. I haven't yet, but want to get a copy. Heard it was a great movie.

[VOA]

4. Lots of sunscreen with highest blocking factor.

(my father hasn't gotten skin cancer yet from his decades on a tractor...fortunately)

Otherwise, let's hear it for the joys of just listening to the wonderous exhaust
note of tractors!

[Carol72]

Thanks for the post. I am a farmer, and currently bale hay for other people, plus my own, when not caring for the hogs and cattle. Grew up driving tractor for my dad. Spent two days this week baling 950 bales of alfalfa. That made for a lot of tractor time. Besides the baler, there was the preservative sprayer to regulate, and the bale accumulator pulled behind the baler. I had to always be aware of how the equipment was functioning, plus knowing how I was going to manuever the corners (I hate terraces.) Nothing more embarrassing than a string of broken bales. Shouldn't let more than one get through.

[afraidfortherepublic]

Great post, full of wisdom. Thanks.

[Windsong]

Hicks...blech!

[CHICAGOFARMER]

ya yes thanks for the memories


Now you have spilled the beans on my handle at
FreePr. Chicagofarmer.

My first follow my nose was at the age of five. My father had to go to a county supervisor meeting. My Uncle was not happy with my dad. ]

For those who know models It was a Farmall M pulling a New Holland baler. My first corners were rough. I could not reach the clutch, just steer. I graduated to a fergerson T 20, and by age ten had captured third place in the county farmer plowing contest.

My the time my farming career was over, T20's T35' Farmall H, M, 400, 560 1206 and steiger 4WD drive were mastered. My favorite time of the year was the county fair and the tractor pull. I spent months planing balancing, scheming how to win and I did frequently.

I started growing on the farm and never looked back. I retired at age fifty, having used my confidence learned at a early age to take responsibility and never fear failure.

I also marvel today that I was not killed, injured, maimed on the farm. Several times I was near death and escaped without injury. Farm tractor tipovers was common and PTO's kill. On my road within 4 miles, 17, 19, 21 year old killed in auto accidents, 56 old farmer killed by PTO, his uncle nearly killed by PTO. My close calls two tractor tip overs and loss of an index finger. After this life experience anything less was just minor bump in the road.

I just returned from priare dog hunting in ND and SD out amoung the farmers and smiled as I admired there passion and love of the land. I could not go back to it, but would not have it anyother way as I grew up.

I watched this morning on the history channel the news reels of 1961. One of the scenes was a hyjacking of a plane and the federal govt immediately issuing rules to allow airplane pilots to carry weapons. This is in stark contrast todays socialist state of the elite govt have guns adn the slave, subjects are losing this right to self-defense.

I have gone on too long, but thanks for the memories.

I challenge you to a tractor pull. My 1206, 560 or H. You pick your posion.

[teancumspirit]

This is a weekend for memories, great post, thanks.

[Bluntpoint]

One of the best places to get parts for older tractors.

http://www.pittsburgtractor.com/parts.html

[solo gringo]

Good post love it.As a farm boy i can relate to your tractor learning.We did not have a tractor on our farm we only had mules.On a tractor you only smelled diesel fuel if you get my drift.I used to complain and daddy would say boy that smell will grow hair on your chest.Another thing on the tractor you just had to turn the steering wheel you did not have to holler gee and haw to go left or right.

[AuntB]

Bump for America's farmers!

[CARDINALRULES]

Ping.