Antique Tractors Still Shine at Plowing Bee in Illinois

If you live on a farm, have family members with a farm, or grew up with friends who live on farms, you probably had an experience driving a tractor, and more than likely before you were of driving age. I grew up on the metro east side of St. Louis, and had friends who lived on farms, and also had extended family that had a farm. That’s where I first drove a tractor. In my case it was a smaller Massey-Ferguson. She was very forgiving, which is why my cousin probably used her the most. But it was fun. A special treat for the city kid. And with two of us working the task got completed quicker.

The Oliver looked HUGE when I was in grade school

For you, it may have been an old Ford like my neighbor across the street in the middle of Quincy, Illinois, who would bring out when it snowed, so he could clear the driveway. The blade was wide enough that it took just one pass. But, as a kid I remember being intimidated by bigger Oliver tractors, or the big International Harvester my Uncle would use for bigger jobs on the farm.

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There are definitely fans of those older models and brands. They are referred to as antiques these days –the tractors, not the people. In Minier, Illinois, Sunday, November 17, the 22^nd starting at 11a.m. the annual Antique Tractor Plowing Bee will be held. The antique tractors won’t just be on display to admire for their beauty. They’ll do what they were built to do. Work the fields. You can enjoy watching these machines show off older plowing techniques. BONUS! – it’s free to watch, and there will be a lunch stand if you get hungry. Proceeds benefit the local fire dept. Embrace and celebrate farming traditions and tractors at the 2025 Minier Antique Tractor Plowing Bee.