Tractors

A few years ago I got this shot of myself and my father "exercising" his classic 1952 John Deere Model M in a field across from my parent's house in Chatsworth, Ontario. It has one year on me, and is still going strong. It is currently valued at a figure roughly 3 times the new price in 1952. Not bad for an old timer. Dad bought it the year I was born, when it was 1, and we grew up together. I remember many cold, wet hours on that seat, spreading manure or harrowing. I love the sound and the smell when we fire it up.

When my wife and I moved to Ajigasawa in 1985, there were a lot of these old two-wheelers being used. I actually borrowed one to work up a garden. When I cranked it up- deja vu! It sounded and smelled just like an old John Deere.

Now tractors here look like this 55 HP Iseki. Check the cab- heater, A/C, stereo (seriously), sound proofed, dust free, anti vibration mounts. Whew. And all for only US$41,000 (that's a lot of rice).
Farmers have it tough these days. With equipment priced like this, rice prices deregulated, and the old subsidy system gone, it takes a lot more effort to keep in business than it used to. My farming friends in Canada find it the same there. Remember to be thankful for their efforts the next time you lift the fork to your mouth.