The Friends of Green – which are part of the I & I Antique Tractor Club – and Half Century of Progress have been raising money to provide scholarship funds to students at the Lake Land John Deere Tech School. The idea behind the scholarship monies is to try to promote young people that are going to work as techs in John Deere dealerships with the hope that they will also be interested in the collecting hobby.

Using donations from raffles and such, the Friends of Green presented a $3,000 scholarship “Big Check” on Feb. 27, 2024, to the Lake L    and John Deere Tech School. From that check, 10 students received $300 each. The winners were selected by Russell Neu, of the John Deere Tech Program.

Besides hoping to get young people like the John Deere Tech students interested in the antique tractor hobby, Friends of Green member Chris Elliott said they also hope to encourage other clubs to support groups like this. One Friends of Green member, Russ Tjarks who heads up the Sibley Burr Oak Tractor Drive, said their group is hoping to do this same type of thing and offer funds to students.

Why work with these John Deere Tech students and send scholarship dollars their way? It is because they can fill in a gap that farmers today have with the technical aspects of modern equipment. “Guys like me thought, why don’t we find guys interested in the same thing we are,” Elliott added.

On the college website, details of the John Deere Tech program are outlined, explaining just exactly what these students are learning. “The John Deere TECH Program at Lake Land College is specifically designed to advance the skill level of new John Deere service technicians. Program participants are prepared to excel in today’s high-tech, fast-paced field of agricultural mechanization – a career path with excellent employment opportunities. 

“Students learn in an environment that stresses a balanced rotation of classroom theory and hands-on labs outfitted with advanced training aids, plus the latest ag equipment and resources. Plus, participants gain valuable, practical insight and real-world experience by applying what they’ve learned during paid Supervised Occupational Experiences (SOE) at John Deere dealerships – a wonderful opportunity for students to ‘earn while they learn.’”

While many of the students in the John Deere Tech school are from towns and cities, Neu said not that many come from the farm anymore. They are more likely to come from an automotive background. Being a collector himself, Neu can share a bit about the old Deeres as well as the new. “I collect John Deere. I started about 15 years ago. I have a 1948 A, a 1954 60, and a 1954 420. I also have a Model 30 pull type combine that I take to shows.”

Neu is also a member of the Mill Road Thresher’s Association that holds its events at the Effingham County Fairgrounds in Altamont, Ill. “I’m in charge of the kids’ activities,” he said. 

One student, David Zbinden, of Gibson City, Ill., is already a collector. “I started collecting around 6 or 7. My first tractor was a John Deere 4020,” said this part-time farmer. “My family is in the cattle business, and we show Angus beef cattle.”

“My favorite tractor we collect is a JD 8300. It sounds good with a straight pipe,” he added.

Students and well as instructors expressed their appreciation. Eric Ebersold, from Sterling, Ill., said, “It is helpful, every bit helps, and hearing them (Friends of Green) talk about wanting to put their money here makes us feel good that we are a priority.”

For those that want to help Friends of Green and contribute to the scholarship program, or have questions about how to start a scholarship program of their own, can contact Ed Winkleman at 217-898-2512.