Tractors have been a vital part of agriculture since their development in the late nineteenth century, and one Delta collector will show several vintage engines at Mississippi State University's Delta Research and Extension Center's Field Day on July 15.

G.R. Harden, 71, a retired row crop farmer in Bolivar County, has been collecting tractors, particularly John Deere, for more than 20 years.

“I have been farming since I was nineteen, and began collecting tractors as a hobby. My collection includes Harvesters and Minneapolis Molines, but I specialize in John Deere tractors because that is what I grew up driving,” Harden said.

The collection began when my friend, David Thornton, asked me to rebuild and repaint a John Deere, he said.

Harden's collection of 30 to 35 tractors includes several restored John Deere models from the 1930s, including a 35A, 36B and 37. He plans to bring these rare models to DREC's field day. Several in his collection, including one with steel tires, are waiting to be restored.

“Tractors built before the early sixties are considered antique because of changes made about that time in hydraulics, motors and designs,” Harden said.

Harden and Raymond Crossno restore tractors and participate in tractor pulls. Each Dec., their Mean Green Pulling Team sponsors the world's largest tractor pull in Tunica, Miss. What began twenty years ago with 11 tractors has now grown to include 400 tractors and attracts engines from around North America.

When not restoring tractors, Harden enjoys showing his tractor memorabilia. The collection includes many small John Deere and International Harvester tractors, several Deere logos, and other vintage pieces. The museum-type facility is located on McKnight Road north of Cleveland and west of Highway 61.

Harden's antique tractors will be a special addition to DREC's field day.

“We are delighted to have Mr. Harden's extraordinary collection of vintage John Deere tractors. Mr. Harden is a loyal supporter of Mississippi State and of Delta Station, and his collection of John Deere tractors is a wonderful addition to the field day activities,” said Steve Martin, DREC head.

Registration for the field day begins at 8:00 a.m. in the Capps Building at DREC, with the meetings starting at 8:30. Concurrent sessions on rice/soybeans and corn/cotton begin at 9:30. For more information contact Jody Stovall at (662) 686-3216 or jstovall@drec.msstate.edu.