There’s something about an antique tractor. Not just big green farming machines, they say “country cool” to a lot of people. That includes folks who have never spent time on a farm and the only mustangs they’ve ever rode where made by Ford.

Mustangs cars, aren’t the only cool things made by Ford, their old tractors are pretty popular.

If you are reading this article, chances are that you already know there is a huge subculture of people who admire quite a few of the old tractor makers. John Deere is an obvious one. You could probably have only done your farming on a Brooklyn spare lot co-operative and still know that John Deere’s are green. Hercules Engines, an American company founded in 1915, also have a popular following. And there’s the Massey Ferguson, a brand that can trace its roots through the rows of farming history.

Yesterday’s tractors furrow a soft spot in the minds eye as we picture the American farmstead.

Texas farmers will no doubt show up for the 27^th Annual Hill Country Antique Tractor & Engine Show near Fredericksburg. But plenty of the local guests of Texas Hill Country bed and breakfasts will be there as well. Whether it’s part of the movement towards sustainability or just nostalgia for when more farms were owned by families than corporations, old tractors have a following.

Says the The Hill Country Antique Tractor & Engine Club (HCAT&EC), “Membership has increased gradually through the years to the present size of approximately 150 members. The nature of the HCAT&EC membership is changing. In previous years, most members were or had been farmers or ranchers who owned antique tractors and engines which they exhibited and demonstrated. Now, many of the members are interested and supportive, but they have never lived or worked on farms or ranches and they do not personally own tractors or engines.”

There’s fun to be had at old fashioned tractor pulls.

Sure there are lots of old tractors lined up to admire. There’s also the antique tractor parade and farm machinery demonstrations. Don’t bypass the vendors. This is a great place to pick up that bit of “agriculture related item” you wanted for the front yard or your mom’s kitchen. A blacksmith shop rounds out the farm culture experience. While your surrounded by farm equipment you’ll find some Texas fair food for sale – no need to go hungry.

Come see what the pull towards these antiques engines is about – if you don’t feel it already.