Theyve gone mad Jul 1, 2009
The state is shutting down, farmers cant get water, small equipment operators cant afford to repower their trucks and tractors, they want to tax rural folks for septic system and water well inspections. The insane list goes on and on. (Fresno Bee -- Opinion)
Khmer Rouge survivor's paintings saved his life Jul 1, 2009
Survivor Chum Mey, 79, testified Tuesday that he endured beatings, electric shocks and had his toenails pulled out but was spared execution because he knew how to fix cars, tractors, sewing machines and typewriters. The only other living survivor, 63-year-old Vann Nath, testified Monday that he too escaped execution because he was an artist and painted portraits of Pol Pot. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- World)
Locavores nourish more than themselves Jul 1, 2009
The orchard s biodiesel tractors run on compost produced on the property, and its greenhouse is heated with a wood-fired boiler and efficient, radiant tubing. There is hardly a better steward of our natural resources than local farmers. (Ipswich Chronicle, MA)
Driver in 10-death Okla. wreck had clean record Jun 30, 2009
Tractors clog Calif freeway in water cuts protest. Several dozen farmers drove tractors onto a busy freeway in Central California to call attention to water shortages in the region. (Fresno Bee -- Nation)
1,800 eat brunch at area dairy farm Jun 30, 2009
The Dodge County Antique Power Club has a display of tractors and implements, the Farm Technology Days committee had a display and the Dodge County Dairy Ambassadors, a newly formed group of young people that has been formed to promote the dairy education, were on hand to talk to the breakfast attendees. There was also a polka band to provide musical entertainment and petting zoo. (Watertown Daily Times, WI)
North Korea's Other Crisis: An Economy in Tatters Jun 30, 2009
Men in army-green clothing worked the fields by hand; there were few tractors or animals in sight. Trucks with sacks of U.S. food aid passed by. (Time.com)
Suicide bomber strikes at Afghan-Pakistan border Jun 30, 2009
Afghan counternarcotics police have for years used tractors or hand tools to plow under or chop down poppy plants - which yield opium, the main ingredient in heroin - but they often came under attack and dozens have been killed by militants. Taliban bomber kills 2 troops in Pakistani Kashmir. (Fresno Bee -- Local)
Energy firms set to sell off equipment Jun 30, 2009
Items including trailers, trucks, tractors, skid steer loaders and 25 hydraulic excavators will be on the auction block ... MCM General Contractors Inc.. (Gillette News-Record, WY)
• Khmer Rouge survivor describes torture at S-21 Jun 30, 2009
He was put to work fixing his jailers' cars, tractors, sewing machines and typewriters. "When I was tortured, I no longer felt like a human being. I felt like an animal," he said. (Burley South Idaho Press, ID)
Steven Milton Anderson, 49 Jun 30, 2009
Some people that were important to him included a great-uncle and aunt, Adolph and Mary Gronhovd of Nekoma, N.D. Steve spent several summers on their farm, and found his first passion while driving the tractors. Elsie and Al DeMaine were neighbors that were like an extra set of parents to him. (Wahpeton Daily News, ND)
Britain to rip out poppies Jun 30, 2009
Afghan counter narcotics police have for years used tractors or hand tools to plough or chop down poppies - which yield opium, the ingredient in heroin - but dozens have been killed. Because the country plants so many poppies, the Taliban and other militants are believed to have reaped tens of millions of dollars in yearly profits. (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
Afghan minister says drug strategy is perfect Jun 29, 2009
For years, Afghan counternarcotics police have for years used tractors or hand tools to plow under or chop down poppy plants ... Afghan counternarcotics police have for years used tractors or hand tools to plow under or chop down poppy plants which yield opium, the main ingredient in heroin but they often came under attack and dozens have been killed by militants. (MSNBC -- International)
Sturgis Falls Parade a cascade of dancing Jun 28, 2009
Among the crowd pleasers were llamas doing the limbo, eight John Deere tractors, any type of music and Gary Kroeger s running commentary from the main reviewing stand. The former Saturday Night Live troop member and incurable ham alternated between ribbing crowd goers and participants alike, while encouraging all. (Waterloo Courier, IO)
Huck talks agriculture at Farm Power Show Jun 28, 2009
As Huckleberry wound around the antique tractors, chatting with Farm Power Show spectators, he talked about another bill that is in the works. According to Huck, it seeks to protect farmers and their livestock. (Ionia Sentinel-Standard, MI)
Twice the fun in Lewiston: Heartland Days, CrossFest draw plenty of crowds Jun 28, 2009
Tom Dubbels watched his competition, keeping a steady eye on the other tractors. It s like an addiction, he said. (Winona Daily News, MN)
Leftover dirt draws sweeping criticism Jun 28, 2009
Meanwhile, eight tractors acquired by the state this winter through funding pushed by Doogan to plow sidewalks in Anchorage are sitting idle, even though they also have brooms for sweeping. The crews who do the winter clearing are seasonal and aren't paid for the summer, DOT officials said. (Anchorage Daily News)
Chord-Ayres men's chorus celebrates 40 years of harmony (2) Jun 28, 2009
The Chord-Ayres are a local group of men, some older, some younger, who close their shops, climb down off their tractors, put on their tuxedoes and harmonize to some of the most unlikely strains of music this side of Minnesota, wrote Rob Ross in the Southwestern Minnesota Arts ities Council newsletter several years ago. Some 35 men strong plus two long-time female accompanists both married to farmers the Chord-Ayres have brought tears to the hardest souls. (Minnesota Farm Guide, MN)
Tractor operators get more protection Jun 27, 2009
Arlene Gourley of Scio doesn t know if anyone will drive differently now that Gov. Ted Kulongoski has signed a law meant to better protect operators of tractors and other farm equipment ... The law builds on the provisions of a 2007 law that had affected only tractors without cabs. (Albany Democrat-Herald, OR)
The Chief’s Vendetta Jun 27, 2009
The tractors were judged on innovation, safety, serviceability, maneuverability, manufacturability, performance and other factors. Pictured with the Illini Pullers; tractor, called ;The Chief;s Vendetta; are David Murphy from Tiskilwa (from left) and club president Stephen Corban from Princeton. (Princeton Bureau County Republican, IL)
Ag Fest a true family affair Jun 27, 2009
We ve had tractors come from as far away as Connecticut and Kingston, Pauline said. The tractors she references are one of the main draws of the festival and for many the tractor pull is the crown jewel. (Catskill Daily Mail, NY)
Heavy metal, horsepower return for Tomah tractor pull Jun 26, 2009
TOMAH You probably won t see tractors like these in a country field ... Noon: Super farm tractors (RN and per hook), super stock open, modified tractors and super stock diesel 4-by-4 trucks ... 6 p.m.: Light super stock tractors, mini rods, two-wheel drive trucks, super semis. (La Crosse Tribune, WI)
Recession drying up dairies Jun 26, 2009
Fuel prices also started increasing, and farmers had to pay more for the gasoline and diesel fuel to run their tractors and machinery. The industry s export market, which accounted for 13 percent of its product, vanished in the past year. (New Mexico Business Weekly, NM)
Man held in Fresno Co. ag thefts Jun 26, 2009
Fresno County sheriffs deputies recovered three stolen tractors and a trailer and arrested a 32-year-old man in connection with the thefts, the Sheriffs Department said Thursday. Deputies received the report of the theft of two tractors and a trailer from a farm storage yard in the area of Clovis and Nebraska avenues about a week ago. (Fresno Bee -- Local)
Countdown begins to July 4 festivities Jun 26, 2009
Floats, cars, pickups, tractors, horses, wagons, bicycles and marchers will congregate at Sul Ross Avenue and North 5th Street just before 4 p.m. Kiwanians will identify and tag each vehicle and every participant so they can be judged. Although there is no organized bicycle decorating contest this year, kids (well, anyone who wants to ride a bike) may enter the parade. (Alpine Avalanche, TX)
Beau H. Vencill Jun 25, 2009
Beau had many hobbies, which included playing the guitar with his friends; bird hunting with his dog, Sophie; and tinkering with his antique farm tractors. Above all, he enjoyed spending time with his family. (Corvallis Gazette Times, OR)
Inaugural St. David Farmers Market set this Saturday (2) Jun 25, 2009
Chicken tractors and made-to-order goat milkers will also be for sale. Everyone interested in selling locally raised produce and herbs, meats, plants, cut flowers and other agricultural products or things made from them or locally made pickles and jams (prepared in a licensed kitchen) can contact market manager, Ron Millet, at (520) 221-1074 and for more information and a vendor application. (Benson San Pedro Valley News Sun, AZ)
From watermelon to barbecue, festivals go whole hog Jun 25, 2009
The 14th edition of the Crystal Springs Tomato Festival puts a juicy sheen on the town's streets Saturday with a farmer's market, arts and crafts, antique tractors, a gristmill, Hit Engines and more. Festival hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., but folks are encouraged to come down earlier; most of the farmer's market vendors set up by 7 or 8 a.m. The Tomato Festival 5K Run/Walk is 8 a.m. and a 9 a.m. kiddie parade kicks off the fest. (The Clarion-Ledger)
Suspects in court on drug charges Jun 25, 2009
Officers also seized 17 vehicles, two tractors, 110 weapons and approximately $60,000 in cash and cashier's checks and recovered three stolen ATVs, a stolen motorcycle and a tractor stolen in Zachary, La. "There were a variety of search warrants (issued) in a number of different places. We're getting the results back from different places," Harris said. (The Clarion-Ledger)
Report questions over $1.4B of Halliburton bills Jun 25, 2009
Whistle-blower testimony and a previously undisclosed Army audit found Halliburton and its subsidiary Kellogg Brown & Root (KBR) inflated cost estimates, billed for unnecessary equipment and personnel, submitted millions of dollars in duplicate charges and was repeatedly given preferential treatment over other contractors ... More than $560,000 for unneeded heavy equipment, including tractors and trailers. (Yahoo News -- Halliburton)
Threshing Bee Jun 25, 2009
Over 200 magnificently restored antique tractors ... See these antiques running: tractors, steam engines, cars, gas engines, saw mill, broom making, veneer mill, duplicators, steam locomotive, steam threshing 10 acres of oats. (Mt. Lake Observer/Advocate, MN)
Global market contraction drives Sauer-Danfoss layoffs Jun 25, 2009
The reductions, which come less than two years after an ambitious expansion of company operations in Ames, are a response to a severe contraction in demand for Sauer-Danfoss products, many of which are used in heavy, off-road equipment, such as bulldozers and tractors, according to Matt Bendler, human services director for the company. But more than that, layoffs amount to "some of the most difficult decisions we, as a company, have ever had to make," he said. (Mid Iowa Enterprise, IA)
Cap Tax II likely to end in 90 days Jun 25, 2009
(In Wyoming, sales tax also is not paid on certain products used in agriculture including livestock, feed, fertilizer, fuel and power, and equipment like tractors. Sales tax is also paid by visitors to the county and the northern half of Yellowstone Park; they are estimated to pay about 25 percent of the total received by Park County. (Cody Enterprise, WY)
Son's biodiesel idea fuels new family business Jun 25, 2009
One of Perfect Circle s eight customers is Serenbe, an environmentally sustainable community south of Atlanta that for the past 1; years has used the company s biodiesel in its dozen or so trucks, including tractors. Serenbe spokeswoman Tucker Berta said using biodiesel has saved money and allowed us to be even more Earth-conscious. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Love car shows? Check these out Jun 25, 2009
Antique and new planes, vehicles and tractors. Breakfast and lunch, 7 a.m. to noon. (Racine Journal Times, WI)
Centralia children's clinic expands Jun 25, 2009
On Tuesday, tractors continued moving dirt and preparing the ground adjacent to Northwest Pediatric Center in Centralia as the business expands its location on Cooks Hill Road, across from Providence Centralia Hospital. The new building will be roughly 5,700 square feet, the same size as the main building, according to McKay. (Longview Daily News, WA)
Building PMC Jun 25, 2009
POCATELLO -- Portneuf Medical Center's east campus began buzzing with tractors pushing around dirt earlier this month, but on Wednesday, the re-igniting of PMC's consolidation project got the official nod with an elaborate ground-breaking ceremony. More than 150 people joined top personnel from PMC, Legacy Hospital Partners and the Portneuf Health Care Foundation, as well as several local public officials, to celebrate the restart of the 200 million project. (Pocatello Idaho State Journal, ID)
Coming to an Ex–Car Dealer Near You: Pickups from India Jun 24, 2009
By the end of the year, Mumbai-based conglomerate Mahindra dra best known outside India for manufacturing tractors plans to launch two-door and four-door compact pickups that would compete with established brands such as the Toyota Tacoma, the best-selling compact truck in the U.S., and the Ford Ranger ... The company is no stranger to North America it's been selling tractors in the U.S. since 1995 and has assembly plants in Texas, Georgia and California. (Time.com)
$6.3 million damage award against case corp. upheld Jun 24, 2009
Case also contended that the $2 million punitive damages award was unreasonable considering there were only four complaints of similar problems in 87,000 tractors sold ... It supported the jury's award based on testimony that the power take off system was designed by someone who had no mechanical or design engineering education and was inexperienced in operating tractors. (Racine Journal Times, WI)
Here comes the Rexburg Farmers Market Jun 24, 2009
Tractors and farm equipment will adorn the market grounds, creating what Andrew Williams, who is coordinating the event, called "the personal feel of an older style market." Large grassy areas and picnic tables will complement the decor, allowing people to sit down, eat and enjoy the entertainment. Williams, a BYU-Idaho intern for the city, said that while the event is for residents to relax and do their weekend shopping, it is also an opportunity for smaller businesses to thrive. (Rexburg Standard Journal, ID)
Thunder rolls in Jun 24, 2009
While last year s event was a crowd pleaser, this year s tractor pull is expected to be one of the biggest and baddest shows ever, according to TRA President Teddy Grimm, with not just one or two, but about five pro-stock tractors transported down from the Midwest specifically for the show. These tractors are the ones that blow the big, black smoke the big farm tractors that all pull up north, in Missouri, Nebraska, Iowa, places like that, Grimm said ... The pro-stock tractors, usually... (Taylor Daily Press, TX)
IFCO Systems opening new facility in Memphis Jun 24, 2009
The new facility is 50,000 square feet on a 13-acre site with increased storage capacity, eight tractors, 175 trailers available for delivery or drop-and-hook, 24/7 delivery capability, and access to more than 3. 5 million surplus pallets for a year-round supply. (Memphis Business Journal, TN)
Local briefs: Deported sex offender is arrested in Orosi Jun 23, 2009
Richard Corey, 51, of 00003EA9 Vallejo, was hospitalized after he was forced to slow for tractors being driven by farmers on the freeway and rear-ended a big rig in front of him. The tractors were part of a demonstration to bring attention to the Valley's water shortage. (Fresno Bee -- Local)
Mining proposal moves step closer to approval Jun 23, 2009
Neighboring homeowner Jeff Robinson described the area as tractors, farmland, and country homes in a conservation area, citing the involvement of the Columbia Land Conservancy in creating conservation easements on several abutting properties. He said the town should change the overlay in the southern part of town. (Hudson Register Star, NY)
Fifer's Day shines Jun 23, 2009
The parade, which featured a caravan of police cruisers, fire engines, antique cars, motorcycles and, of course tractors, then made its way from Blanchard School to Flerra Field, tracing its route along Massachusetts Avenue and Stow Road. In addition to the whine of sirens for effect and the drone of old engines, the fife-and-drum music of Boxborough s Minutemen filled the air along with the horns and snares of the Blanchard School band. (Acton Beacon, MA)
Car sales jump underscores consumer confidence Jun 22, 2009
But this has been more than offset by a rebound in SUV and other vehicle sales for example motor bikes, tractors, buses etc so that vehicle sales are on track to make a modest contribution to business investment and domestic demand in (the second quarter of 2009). Its hard to escape the conclusion that sales have been supported of late by an overall pick up in consumer confidence, a rebound in business confidence and some support from the continuing effects from the small business bonus tax... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Strawberry Festival Grand Parade results (3) Jun 22, 2009
Last modified: Tuesday, June 9, 2009 4:21 PM PDT. Strawberry Festival Grand Parade results. (Lebanon Express, OR)
Vintage tractors may find tie to TechWorks Jun 22, 2009
Former John Deere production facilities are situated a couple of blocks from the National Cattle Congress grounds, where the tractors were on display last week ... "Two-cylinder tractors are an important part of the history of agribusiness," she said ... Jack Cherry, expo organizer and publisher of Two Cylinder magazine, said he hasn't discussed future exhibits with TechWorks yet but said he would be interested in helping provide rotating displays of historical tractors. (Waterloo Courier, IO)
Cruise into Cushing on Wednesday Jun 22, 2009
The old-fashioned event starts at 6:30 p.m. as owners of classic cars, trucks and tractors cruise into Cushing for the evening. Hot dogs, chips and some 60 homemade pies with ice cream will be served at the Cushing Fire Station. (Sioux City Journal, IO)
Farmers have field day at trivia contest Jun 20, 2009
What color are John Deere tractors. What are machines used for harvesting grain called. (Carlisle Sentinel, PA)
Group highlights most dangerous teen jobs Jun 20, 2009
Driver operator -- forklifts, tractors and all terrain vehicles. "Each year nearly 100 workers are killed in forklift accidents," the report said. (Daytona Beach News Journal -- Local)
Two-Cylinder pride shines at Expo Jun 20, 2009
Not many exhibitors are younger than 30, and when fellow John Deere collectors --- most old enough to be his parents or grandparents --- ask Kutka about his 1940 H or 1935 AR, he can't tell stories about spending countless hours raking hay or cultivating corn with the machines or how they were two of the first tractors his grandfather owned. Of the more than 400 vintage John Deere tractors and implements on display through Saturday, most owners have a special attachment ... Now the 27-year-old... (Waterloo Courier, IO)
Why President Mills Should Sack Muntaka Mubarak Now Jun 20, 2009
allegations of financial impropriety against the minister of Youth and Sports, Alhaji Mubarak Muntaka, and the reported sale of government tractors to the Majority Leader in Parliament, Mr. Bagbin, and the presidential spokesman, Mr. Ayariga, raise a problem of perception for president Mills ... The second development I mentioned at the beginning of this piece concerns the reported sale by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to some NDC government officials of tractors that the Kufour... (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Ayariga, Bagbin and Others Jun 20, 2009
Ayariga does not see anything inappropriate with his purchase of those tractors at those concessionary terms ... Bagbin claims a colleague MP told him about the tractors at the ministry of Agriculture ... Ayariga says the tractors are for his constituency and would be hired-out at affordable rates/fees. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Autumn Grooms: Milk by another color is still milk Jun 19, 2009
We read books on farms and cows and tractors, and Vincent looked at me and asked for juicy. When given a cup of milk, he d just open his mouth and let it run back out. (La Crosse Tribune, WI)
Lathrop Tractor Cruise Jun 19, 2009
52 tractors participated in this year's cruise, according to Eddie Hisel, coordinator of the event. The tractors traveled from Lathrop to west of Plattsburg, then north to Stewartsville for a lunch break. (Cameron Observer, MO)
Ahmadinejad's new best friend: Hugo Chvez? Jun 19, 2009
Iran now manufactures cars, tractors and bicycles in Venezuela, and Chvez made his sixth trip to Iran in April. "Iran and Venezuela ties have introduced a common revolutionary front ... in the world," Ahmadinejad said then. (Christian Science Monitor -- World)
New agriculture display arrives at Heritage Museum Jun 19, 2009
One of the pieces in the exhibit is a 1950s Case tractor (above), which was one of the first tractors that the Pounds Motor Company converted from diesel to LP gas. It was purchased new from Hoyle Pounds (the father of Herbert Pounds, above, standing with the tractor) by Chicone Groves. (Winter Garden West Orange Times, FL)
Chord-Ayres men's chorus celebrates 40 years of harmony Jun 19, 2009
The Chord-Ayres are a local group of men, some older, some younger, who close their shops, climb down off their tractors, put on their tuxedoes and harmonize to some of the most unlikely strains of music this side of Minnesota, wrote Rob Ross in the Southwestern Minnesota Arts ities Council newsletter several years ago. Some 35 men strong plus two long-time female accompanists both married to farmers the Chord-Ayres have brought tears to the hardest souls. (Agri-View, WI)
WHO tractor ride set Jun 19, 2009
The tractors are coming ... Organizers expect 500 tractors and more than 750 participants ... On Monday, tractors will start at 6:30 a.m. and head toward a lunch stop in Waverly. (Waterloo Courier, IO)
Recycling can be cyclic or more Jun 18, 2009
And he had three other tractors of the same make, model and year, none of which ran, parked behind a shelter belt. He used those three tractors to keep the one running. (Bismarck Tribune, ND)
Tractor time: Vintage farm machines cropping up in Waterloo Jun 18, 2009
The NCC grounds sit near the site where many of the antique tractors were originally built by John Deere in Waterloo. "Most of these tractors were built next door years ago," said Jim Koch, NCC facilities manager ... The two-cylinder engine tractors will be on display through Saturday at McElroy Auditorium, Estel Hall, and the Agriculture Building on the NCC grounds. (Waterloo Courier, IO)
Coliseum stays busy with shows, events Jun 18, 2009
FOREST The economy has had little effect on business this year at the Scott County-Forest Coliseum as horses, tractors, graduations and more horses are just a few of many activities held annually at the facility. This weekend will feature a tractor pull that is usually held each year although organizers took last year off. (Forest Scott County Times, MS)
Threshing Bee Jun 18, 2009
Over 200 magnificently restored antique tractors ... See these antiques running: tractors, steam engines, cars, gas engines, saw mill, broom making, veneer mill, duplicators, steam locomotive, steam threshing 10 acres of oats. (Mt. Lake Observer/Advocate, MN)
Summer Fun events 2009 Jun 18, 2009
Pre-parade begins at 8:15 a.m. Fire engines, tractors, police vehicles, floats, and living replicas of national monuments ... Antique tractors, gasoline engines and collectibles. (Racine Journal Times, WI)
Obama struck dumb -- just like wax dummy Jun 18, 2009
I looked for farmers on slow-moving tractors, but I guess they were tilling their bone-dry fields -- or chugging along Interstate 5. I also was on the lookout for Democratic Congressmen Jim Costa and Dennis "Horse Track" Cardoza. (Fresno Bee)
