Linking to:
Monday, August 31, 2015
Canadian Foodgrains Bank
A couple of weeks ago we went to the annual celebration for the local group that supports the Canadian Foodgrains Bank, held on a big dairy farm a few miles away. There was a great collections of antique (or at least older) tractors, and demonstrations of a robotic milking system.
There is a local chapter of this national organization, which raises money which in turn is used to purchase grain in countries where hunger is rampant. Grain purchased is then distributed to local families who need it, along with other programs to alleviate hunger.
Driving around every now and then I see crop fields with a sign indicating that this field is for the Canadian Foodgrains Bank. They don't actually send the grain from that field overseas; it is sold here, and the funds are used to purchase grain in countries facing hunger. I was interested in this simple display of the common grains they deal with.
Lots was happening, including music, food and a silent auction. But it's also become a tradition for tractor aficianados to bring their classic machines to put on display.
I'm sure many owners spend hours and hours fixing these up and making sure they still work. And there were several models that you would never see today.
Like this orange Minneapolis Moline tractor - have any of you ever seen one of these out working?
This ancient John Deere was probably the oldest one there, the only one with steel wheels, those the rear wheels have rubber treads over the steel.
There was also a portable sawmill that I found quite interesting, run off the three-point-hitch of the tractor.
In any case I enjoyed seeing these old machines. As usual the bright-coloured ones appealed to me for pictures the most. I'm just a Magpie! Tomorrow the robotic milking machine.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
There are still a few orange Minneapolis Moline tractors working in northcentral Pennsylvania, but they're not as old as that one. Old tractors are fascinating, especially the ones that were designed to multi-task for those farming the old 40-60 acre farms.
ReplyDeleteI think, it locks like in Sweden! Have a nice day.
ReplyDeleteI love old tractors, this takes me back to childhood days, I started to drive a tractor ( aged about 10) that had rubber on the front, and steel wheels at the rear. Dad thought he had won a lottery the day he upgraded to " All Rubber". When I think about those years, our NZ OSH ( Occupational Safety and Health) would have had a field day, ( Pardon the pun)!! no safety helmet, a child under age driving, and more. But that was how it had to be. The grain sales and transfer of funds helps so many.
ReplyDeleteReading Nancy's comment above reminds me of when I worked on a farm and we used to hide our old machines in the wood when the Farm Safety Officer paid a visit. The Foodgrains Bank sounds a wonderful idea.
ReplyDeleteThat time of year when we honor the agricultural industry and remain thankful we have plenty to eat while others are in dire shortages of food. I grew up on a tiny "weekend" farm but we raised lots of stuff and had ten acres to plow.
ReplyDeleteThose are some fine looking tractors. I think I like that old John Deer with steel wheels the best. I look forward to milking machines, which I've never seen. :-)
ReplyDeleteThe old tractors really stand out well!
ReplyDeleteI really like seeing such a large variety of tractors, especially the very old ones.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a fine event, and nice photos!
ReplyDeleteSuch a good idea to purchase the grain over there to support the local farmers and help their economy at the same time!
ReplyDeleteGreat idea.
ReplyDeleteI love walking around events like this. : )
When Dad first mentioned a Moline, I had to look it up.
ReplyDeleteA wonderful day out.
My Gramdpa had a Minneapolis Moline. When my Dad retired he restored it...it looks just like the one in your photo..and purrs just like a kitten :)
ReplyDeleteI love the tractor Museum in the west of Ottawa, in Constance Bay.
ReplyDelete