ALL ABOUT TRACTORS

BY PAUL WALLEM

 One of the customers nearest to my IH dealership in northern Illinois back in the 1980s became a close friend. He’s gone now, but his grandson Grant continues along with his son Larry. They gave me an update on crops and equipment.

A cold spring resulted in some late planting, but a warm and wet June brought corn up to shoulder height by the 4th. Soybeans vary from poor to good due to some late planting. Given the poor spring weather, Grant and Larry expect a poorer 2026 yield than either of the last two years.

Fortunately, Grant had purchased all his fertilizer for his 1,580 acres before the Gulf War. He had also ordered fuel before that event, which he considers pure luck.

Grant plans no machinery purchases this year. He has a well-equipped shop and does most maintenance himself. His major tractor, a 2005 Case IH Steiger 375 STX, has 5,200 hours. Their 2014 Kinze planter requires a lot of maintenance, but Grant does it all, besides maintaining a part-time job.

He uses AI as a tool regarding plant diseases, fertilizer impact, etc. I was surprised to learn that a seasonal employee that had started working for Grant’s grandfather in 1972 still works for Grant all these years later.

Association of Equipment Manufacturers report

Their report indicates tractor sales of all sizes were down 22 percent through May versus last year. Total May sales were 16,815 compared to 21,461 

last year.

Combine sales nationally were 138 for May, down 58 percent from last year. 

Year-to-date for the year through May was 1,066, down 15 percent compared to the same period in 2025.

From Capital News Illinois

Family farm bankruptcies surged 46 percent nationally in 2025. In the Midwest, filings increased 70 percent. In Illinois, they rose 55 percent. Total farm debt is forecast to hit a record $624.7 billion in 2026, as overhead costs like land rent and interest keep climbing.

Why antique tractor pulls? (courtesy Farmall Fantasy)

Antique tractor pulls are a popular motor sport. People do this for nostalgic entertainment, the thrill of friendly competition, and to showcase the mechanical skills needed to restore or modify historic farm equipment.

Throughout the country, every conceivable old tractor can be seen competing. Even steam-powered tractors and crawlers can be seen at some events. Some over 100 years old can be seen competing. Memories of the past are everywhere at these pulls.

Certain models show up often in these events: some are John Deere G, 

Oliver 88, John Deere 70, Case 900, MM 5 Star, International W9, 

AC WD45, Farmall M and more.

The sleds used in tractor pulls are many and varied. Some are used locally for antique pulls, some travel regionally for higher horsepower pulls. The sled pictured with this column is one amongst many.

Paul Wallem was raised on an Illinois dairy farm. He spent 13 years with corporate IH in domestic and foreign assignments. He resigned to own and operate two IH dealerships. He is the author of THE BREAKUP of IH and SUCCESSES & INDUSTRY FIRSTS of IH. E-mail your comments to pwallem9@gmail.com.