KERROBERT — The warm October sun added to the terrific experience of people, young and old, stepping back in time, taking in the vintage farm equipment display that harvested a standing wheat field on the Smith family farm west of Kerrobert, along Highway 31.
Youngsters bounded through the stubble portion of the field caught up in the excitement of people gathering to watch the farm display. while other generations enjoyed the opportunity to watch a piece of the past in action right in front of them. Prior to the actual work, people could see the equipment up close and ask questions on its operations from years gone by. Curiosity and awe evolved from all generations in attendance.
A modern-day swather took down one swath for the International 403 combine to pick up, and were soon followed by two straight-cut headers, one being a Massey 90 and the other a Massey 92, the 90 originated in farming operations in the 1950s, while the Super92 followed in the years 1960-64.
One of the highlights of the event was watching 90-year-old Muriel Neumeier thoroughly enjoy her opportunity to operate the International combine with her son Joe at her side. Neumeier recalled driving the same model when she and her husband farmed together. She even showcased her skills in unloading the grain she had picked up into a nearby truck. Elation beamed from Neumeier’s face while admiration came from those in attendance watching her at work.
Events such as these are few and far between and the type of farming equipment displayed is almost, if not all, obsolete as it’s passed its usefulness. It allowed attendees an opportunity to have a taste of what they might have experienced when they farmed, or when their parents or grandparents farmed, or let the younger generation today see first-hand how much equipment has evolved.
Operators may have tinkered with equipment both at start up and during their operation, but it didn’t deter the desire to showcase what the machinery had to offer.
It was a perfect fit to an event entitled Kerrobert Harvest Festival and it was clearly evident the action was enjoyed by all who came to see history at work, as stories and memories were shared by those in attendance.
