Old tractors, Young Members

[Anonymous-0]

I have asked this question on some other forums,we have two local tractor clubs here that the average age is over 60, or more ! How can we attract the younger generation to our hobby? Maybe we can't but wondering what other clubs are doing? Thanks.

 

[Mike Aylward]

It's the same way in our area. We've already lost several of the older members. I wonder what our clubs will look like in ten years. The trouble is, it's the older ones that have the memories that need preserving. That is why we collect this old iron. Mike

 

[John T]

I see the hobby we love n share as DYING. Just look at demographics. We current collectors either USED those tractors orrrrrrr Dad or Grandpa did. Compare that to a teenager today, neither hid dad or grandpa used them, maybe great grandpa, theres just too much disconnect.

Likewise theres less mom n pop farms,,,,,teens prefer indoor activites n video games etc,,,,,theyre simply NOT INTERESTED and we cant force them to like the old iron the way we did cuz dad or grandpa used it.

Its like "who cares about apathy" lol I think once my baby boomer generation is too old to attend n exhibit at tractor shows (hopefully 20 more years or so) THE INDUSTRY WILL DIE A NATURAL DEATH FOR LACK OF INTEREST.

People like us care aobut the tractor we or dad or grandad used BUT our kids dont have that connection..

NOT trying to sound like a cynical old grouch, but thats just how I see the hobby in the future due to demographics and lack of farms and todays kids, SOMEONE PLEASE PROVE ME WORNG !!!!!!!

Ol John T and all

 

[alabamafrog]

I’m a relatively young guy (34) that just started doing this last year. One thing I have noticed is some of the older guys seem like they are not very sociable, almost like they look down on us newcomers. Now I have met a couple older guys that have really made me feel at home and are willing to talk to me and share stories. Those guys are what’s kept me wanting to get into this instead of quitting.

One thing I’ve started trying to do at shows is to talk to the little kids as much as possible and let them touch, climb, and grab. I figure they are the future.

 

[Hotflashjr]

I am 26 and I have always been into tractors. Like stated, that has come from my father. We never had a farm, but always had a large garden(150 x 100), fruit trees, blueberries, and respberries. This got me into ag. young and I ewnt to work for local farmers as a young teenager. Learned to drive on a Farmall Cub and Chevy C50 flatbed. I think the biggest problem is that liking tractors or old engines today might be kind of "geeky", almost like being a book worm. My teenage cousins like helping work on the tractor, and even like going to the shows or being in parades, but only when their friends aren't around. The cool stuff is TV, videogames, and computers, not old equipment. Just got to get them using YouTube to watch old equipment videos!

 

[Anonymous-0]

At the shows I've been to seems there are a lot of young folks there, many own tractors. You've got to remember young folks minds are more preoccupied with tail not tractors. When they've scratched that itch they'll start thinking about antique tractors. Same sequence as we did.

 

[Ken Christopherson]

Well, I have been into tractors ever since I was old enough to hold my head up. I am 22 now, never worked on a farm, but grandpa had 60 acres with a Case SC and a Farmall M in the woods. Looked forward to going up every weekend just so I could sit on them. They weren't always running, but I didn't care. As far as attracting younger folks, I couldn't tell you where to begin, at least where I am from. (Northwest of Minneapolis in the burbs). I go to tractor shows and I see younger people, but who knows where they are from. I don't really have any friends I can think of to call and say hey, lets go to the show..... I'll always be a tractor enthusiast so at least you know you have got one from the younger generation for life.

 

[John Hankel]

I am 31 and have been collecting tractors and engines since I was 10 or 11. Like you said, my grandpa and dad were the ones who got me interested in the old iron. I think the biggest drawback of the hobby today is the cost factor. People with lots of money and just driving the prices of all of the old stuff sky high.

I remember when you could go to an auction and pick up a tractor or 2 for 500 bucks. You can't even touch parts for that price today. I hate to think what it will be like in another 10 years.

On the other hand, with all of the interest in the old tractors, more parts and information is available today. Just the reproduction business has boomed since people are willing and able to spend money. Brand new spoke wheels, hoods, and tires are just some of the things we have at our finger tips.

 

[louis110]

I'm 15, and I've been in the seat since I was about 4. Started driving at 9. Our family has a ford jubilee, and I drove that. Why did we get a jube? Well, dad's father used to spread lime with jubes back in new jersey (dad just hit 60, by the way). We got a 3020 over the summer. I love tractors.

But, let's face it. It's an aquired taste. Tractors are slow, greasy, old, stinky, and do not have subwoofers. Those things tend to push the average young'un away.

I'm gonna see about putting an audio system in the deere over the summer. Don't think I'll have room for a sub, though. ;-)

 

[louis110]

I'm 15, and I've been in the seat since I was about 4. Started driving at 9. Our family has a ford jubilee, and I drove that. Why did we get a jube? Well, dad's father used to spread lime with jubes back in new jersey (dad just hit 60, by the way). We got a 3020 over the summer. I love tractors.

But, let's face it. It's an aquired taste. Tractors are slow, greasy, old, stinky, and do not have subwoofers. Those things tend to push the average young'un away.

I'm gonna see about putting an audio system in the deere over the summer. Don't think I'll have room for a sub, though. ;-)

 

[Evan Shockey]

This is a topic that scares me a lot too. At the age of 22, I hate to think of all my stuff sitting on an estate auction someday with no one that cares or wants the stuff. I learned a lot from my grandfather, uncles, and dad, and we still are adding to the current collection of about 15. Cost is big, x boxes and wii gaming systems are cheaper, but I've never been much into that kind of stuff.

 

[Jim in Ma.]

Hey now wait a minute My 1950 cub (slow greasy and smelly) has a 6 volt radio on it. When I'm in the garden cultivating with it you can hear my about a 1/2 mile away LOL

 

[louis110]

The radio or the tractor? Lol

 

[wilamayb]

Thats right... Most people that collect things collect things for which they have feelings.

My generation will be collecting Nintendo's, DVD's and cars and truks of the time.

 

[Hotflashjr]

The 2020 the last farmer I worked for had a radio on it and that thing used to jam pretty good. They had to be loud to hear it over the engine and with this tractor, the Jamaicans chatting away on the transplanter during tobacco planting season.

 

[James Howell]

Kids may well be the answer.

Good for the kids, parents, grandparents, and greatgrandparents.

One of the priceless ways to use an old tractor.

<a href="http://s200.photobucket.com/albums/aa5/jameslloydhowell/?action=view&current=Kids.jpg" target="_blank">

</a>

 

[Kris A NC]

You look at the younger members and ask what their background is in farming. More than 90% will probably say they grew up on a farm, or helped family on the farm. I know there are exceptions to this rule. I am one of them. I am 29 and been collecting since I was 21. Never had the joy of helping on the farm, but would sure love to do it now.
More kids now a days live in the city then they do in the country. Most wouldn"t even know what to do with a tractor. I don"t know how you attract them, but I think a lot of it is how you are raised and where your values stand.

Kris A NC

 

[Machinery-Man]

We have had the same discussion in our club. Naturally a lot of older members deceased and when you speak of antique they were referring to tractors before 1960. I advised for the most part people farming or using those would be deceased so we opened our club up to all kinds of tractors both old and new. It seems like by definition clubs have made themselves distinct. Now we've got old items but the 60-70-80 stuff that younger people will identify with.

 

[Duane Larson]

I'm not so pessimistic (at least as JohnT). The "hobby" organized itself in Winter 1946 when Elmer Ritzmann published the first issue of "Farm Album", which morphed into Iron Men Album. Looking back at those early issues, it was all steam and threshing - very few engines or tractors. Tom Smith started Engineers and Engines magazine in 1955, which did cover engines and tractors as well as steam. Then in 1966 came the Gas Engine Magazine, also from Ritzmann, and that covered engines and tractors. So, the hobby has clearly evolved from steam to gas engines to tractors.

The steam engine folks, while less in number, are working to continue their interests by offering "steam engine schools" where people (including a lot of young folks) can learn how to operate a steam traction engine. These schools seem pretty successful and well attended. I doubt any of the steamers restored by the early folks have rotted away, and the current price of a decent steam traction engine is not cheap! So, someone is still interested.

Looking at gas engines, there are less gas engines at shows than there used to be - just stuck at home in collections I guess. But when those auctions come along there are pretty good prices paid for them still.

Tractor interests are a bit different, because they are still being built. There is clearly more interest in new generation Deeres than there used to be - as recognized by both Green Magazine and Two Cylinder Magazine. Tractors are more like cars - rare ones will always be desirable, and the collectible car, like tractor, is becoming newer.

Most clubs have kids of members who are interested at some level, and they need to be nurtured along - let them drive your tractor - show them how to start it - let them help at a show - praise them when they ask a good question. Offer a tractor school for them, showing them the basics of tractor maintenance and operation. Don't laugh at their questions - when they are ready, let them drive a tractor (your tractor?) in the parade. Give a kid a deal on an old engine or tractor that requires some work but is not hopeless.

 

[dmiller]

As a high school ag teacher I see the apathy. However, I've discovered that the apathy usually has some semi justified cause. Most of the kids I have taught in my short career (only taught for 10 years, age 32)don't grow up on farms, some grow up on small acreages but many live in town or in a subdivision. I see many kids that start out high school with a small interest in agriculture/ag history/culture aspect. This is what our hobby realy is, a culture aspect of agriculture. Most that give up on this interest do so out of a sense of hopelesness that there is no future in it for them, not that there are no jobs, but that there is no opportunity for land. You can't have a hobby that requires a shop, a parking area, and ideally a small field in an apartment complex, town, or subdivision.
Personally I wouldn't have any tractors or hobby farm potential if it weren't for the help/kindness of a widow in our church who lets me keep my equipment and hay stack at her place. Being kind to the kids at the show is huge. But many need a prolonged grandfatherly assistance to take action on their interest.

 

[Anonymous-0]

It takes time to get kids interested, and once they find out about other things that mother nature put in place---well they don't need sleep or food for a spell.

When a young member comes to our local club, they get to park cars, strip cane, help in the kitchen etc.

Now if you let the kid start a old gas engine that doesn't start once he notices we forgot to conect the spark plug wire, or add gas--yea, they take on a different game. Let them decide how to do a few things / make decisions etc. You can help them take charge and alot of stuff gets done.

Now then lets take a look at YT members????? You know some are down righ mean, and troubled. Is that what these young kids want to listen too? And those name calling sesions that show lots of talent?? Some turn everything into political etc. Now why do young kids avoid this kind of play?

I raised three sons that were big on old tractors, and I thought I had all the answers, yet they have other intrests these days, and all I can do is wait and see.

 

[Anonymous-0]

My 2 sons, age 34 and 31 both have a pretty good collection going and never miss the chance at another. Neither one grew up on a farm. I left after HS and live on an acreage near town. They also live on acreage's. I have my own collection also. They both bought their first tractor before I did while still in HS. What motivates them to collect I don't know. The grand kids, 9 and 6, can't wait to ride on one of mine when they come to visit. Hopefully they will also find an interest.

 

[Anonymous-0]

I am with John T. Now generation farming is hopping on the big bend in the middle tractor and getting the crops out in a week and then kicking back until cranking up the combine.

Youngsters are growing up on video not unairconditioned tractors.

I know there are exceptions.

My grandkids collect those litle things that transform into various strange looking things.

 

[WeirdDeere]

I'm 26 now, but have been in the hobby so long that I forget exactly how long!

Pics of me plowing with a '38 D industrial in <A HREF="http://www.ytmag.com/cgi-bin/viewit.cgi?bd=jd&th=321818">This thread</A>

<IMG SRC="http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n8/weirddeere/DIproject/Plowing2/100_7710.jpg">

You want to get younger members involved? Let the the kids DO something...more than just looking at shiny tractors sitting there. Let 'em drive...mow, plow, something. Be active, interactive, instead of a static display of tractors with signs that say "Do not touch" Tractor games are fun too, barrel races, etc. Let kids work on your stuff, and don't ride them hard when they make mistakes.

All the old timers got interested in them because they USED the tractors...and it's the same for potential younger members.

Just my opinion.
Brandon

 

[Jason D. Wahl]

I am 31 and have about 40 tractors but only 3-4 run at one time due to having no shop (shade tree mechanic) and mainly money for parts & machine work. I started when I was 17 with a '48 JD A that I bought for $300. I never grew up on a farm or ever visited one when I was young either. I got into it by accident when at the local county fair I heard for the fist time the sweet sound of a G just idling. Been hooked ever since. Keep in mind the most I have ever paid for a 2-cylinder is $3700.00 for my 730D. Most of them I picked up for between $100-$500 bucks each.

I am now loosing interest in this hobby due to ungodly high priced parts & tractors. A common man as myself that only earns around $30,000 a year working for the local school district cannot afford such "toys" and their upkeep anymore. When a new find is made around here the owner always thinks his is gold plated even if it is sunk up to it's axles in the dirt. When I want to sell something of mine it's worthless due to one flaw or another.

Forget collecting anything even remotely close to rare! A common person is usually stuck with common tractors. Great to think that all your time, money, blood, sweat & tears doesen't amount to much when you get to a show where there are about 20-30 other tractors there JUST LIKE YOURS!
So much for settings goals.

Mostly it's these older retired people that have all this money for one reason or another that are bored and are having their mid-life crisis a little late and feel the need to blow huge wads of money at these auctions on $40-$240,000 hi-crops, Rumelys, steam tractors, Waterloo Boys, etc.

And you want young people in the hobby? Only when these people are dead and gone, prices MIGHT drop due to lack of interest or demand. A 68 year old mentor of mine said it will go the way of the Model T fad. The prices will fall out the bottom some day. Maybe when the EPA condems them all for pollution reasons in another 10-20 years.

Sorry for the rant! Just letting you know true fellings about our hobby.

 

[a.rothermel]

im 16 and i have been driving tractors since i was 5. I wish more ppl my age loved tractors and farming as much as i do. This summer i plan on working on 2 farms and also doing the hay on our 50 acres. we have a massey ferguson 1080 (80 hp) and a 3 cylinder JD 830 (35 HP) and i love the sound of them both.

 

[Another Bill]

I totally agree, Duane. The young folks need nurtured along to help build and captivate their interest. They also need to be given opportunity as is available.

I was at a sale recently where a young guy (probably 15 or 16) was driving a nice old tractor pulling a trailer to shuttle sale-goers between their vehicles and the sale area. He is the son of a friend of the tractor owner, and grew up around machinery and knows how to operate tractors in a safe manner. Having him manage the courtesy shuttling spoke volumes in placing confidence in young folks.

I wish all the young folks the best in finding tractors they wish to restore and operate. The young folks are our future. They can't be forgotten about or excluded.