Antique tractors represent more than just a slice of farming history; they are also a great potential source of income for your agency.  The antique tractor market has been gaining popularity among collectors in recent years and is a rapidly growing segment of the collector vehicle industry. It’s a fun hobby and a wonderful way to preserve America’s agricultural history.

In the past, farmers mainly dominated this market, but now they are bidding against a new, broader audience, including the European investor. As the rare model tractors leave the country, demand is growing for the ones that remain. This trend has triggered soaring prices of older models. Some of the oldest tractors can fetch up to $100,000 and rarer models can sell for much more!  For example, one early John Deere experimental tractor sold for a record-breaking price of $170,000 at an estate sale, and an extremely rare John Deere Model 630 Hi-Crop (gas) sold for $141,000 at auction. 
 

The growth in the antique tractor market has also sparked the tractor restoration business. Today’s enthusiasts prefer their tractors in factory-original condition. This can make some tractor restoration projects a challenge because many farmers using the tractors for farming purposes would change tractors’ parts often due to wear and tear.  Sometimes projects of this kind can easily wind up costing thousands of dollars.  As with most collecting, vintage tractors with original parts tend to hold the highest market value.
 

There are many ways to connect with antique tractor enthusiasts.  Tractor shows are held frequently across the country and are a great way to meet potential clients and become familiar with the hobby.  Check out our picks for some upcoming events and drive more business to your agency with antique tractors!

2009 Tractor shows:

July 10th & 11th Fenders Antique Tractor, Engine Homestead Show – Sweetwater, TN  Show features antique tractors, antique gas engines, farming demonstrations, and homestead antiques and displays. www.fenders.lecten.com  Archie Jenkins 865 986-5785.

July 17-20th Will County Threshermen's Association - Antique Tractor and Steam Show – Channahon, IL Featuring Minneapolis Moline and the Summer Convention for the Prairie Gold Rush. Threshing, Corn shelling, Baling, Saw mill and Plowing Demonstrations. Antique tractor pull on Friday and Saturday afternoon. www.steamshow.org.

August 7, 8 & 9 Morrow County Antique Tractor & Equip. 20th Annual Farm Days Show – Mt Gilead, OH  Featuring John Deere Tractors and Equipment Huge Consignment Sale & Toy Show, Morrow County Fairgrounds Jon @ 740-225-3558.

August 22nd C. Grier Beam Truck Museum Antique Tractor Show – Cherryville, NC Parade of Tractors, Good Food and Family Fun. For additional information call 704-435-3072 or visit website, www.beamtruckmuseum.com

September 5th & 6th Rudin’s Olde Tyme Farm Day – Owego, NY A family fun farm events including an antique tractor parade, tractor pulls, games, good, vendor/exhibits and more.  For more information call 607-687-3339. 

Please verify listed dates/times before attending any of these events.