On July 23, 2022, a once-in-a-lifetime event occurred near Nappanee, IN, when nearly 50 John Deere model “D” tractors gathered for a Plow Day to commemorate the upcoming 100th anniversary of the “D”, and to be a preliminary event to the Classic Green Reunion 2023. Despite a nearly catastrophic early morning thunderstorm that dumped several inches of rain on the site with winds that toppled trees and caused an all-day power outage, quick reactions by the organizers (Mike Ostrander and his crew) permitted the show to go on. A plow set-up talk and demonstration by experts Tyler Buchheit and David Wolf started the event after the rain let up later in the morning, a fabulous lunch was served to all, and by the afternoon, the sun came out and the plowing commenced! John Deere had a film crew and a still photographer on site to document the event, and before plowing, all the tractors lined up for a photo opportunity. There were many very early “D’s” present, many still in original condition. Around 75 acres of wheat stubble was plowed under with the “Putt-Putt” of many model “D” tractors booming across the fields.
- Dan Price