Published: 7/9/2017 10:26:37 PM
HEATH — Seventeen farmers paraded their tractors in the Franklin County Farm Bureau’s Back 40 Tractor Ride last month, as part of the Franklin County 4-H Fair in Heath, with five going home with prizes.
One aim of the tractor rides is to give farmers a chance to create a conversation with the public about farming.
“This ride placed tractors, which are an economic image of farming, in front of the public,” said Franklin County Farm Bureau President Lenny Roberts. “By allowing consumers to get up-close to these machines and talk to farmers, we created a platform to answer their questions and build a relationship that will last a lifetime.”
John Sherman of Rowe, who drove a 1945 Farmall MD, won a prize for “oldest tractor” at the event. Three local drivers were given prizes for “youngest driver”: Colby Martin of Colrain, Jared Taylor and Hunter Roberts, both from Ashfield. Their ages weren’t given.
A “farthest traveled” award was given to Scott Craig of Quebec.
The money raised from tractor rides will go to benefit the Colrain Fire Department, Franklin County 4-H and Franklin County Farm Bureau.
“We look forward to continuing this tractor ride in the future, Roberts said.
The Franklin County Farm Bureau is part of the Massachusetts Farm Bureau Association, a nonprofit organization representing about 6,000 farm family members throughout the state.