Dundy County man to start tractor club for area youth

By Diane Stamm

High Plains News

Older tractor enthusiasts may soon have a younger crowd to share their machines and experiences with.

Leroy Grams is working with area businesses to start an antique tractor and equipment club, centered around young people having fun.

“I’m interested in young people, not just future farmers but also kids interested in ag business and being ag leaders,” Grams said.

Grams will hold an informational meeting Sunday at 3 p.m. at the Imperial Lied Library. 

He said anyone interested is invited, there is no age limit, but he hopes kids and their parents will take part.

One emphasis of the meeting will be deciding what constitutes antique or vintage equipment.

Grams started off talking to Imperial FFA advisor Jason Speck and his chapter members. Eighteen Chase County students expressed interest in the club.

One Imperial FFA member told Grams it would be cool to round up an old plow and find a farmer with land for the kids to work with their tractors.

He plans to talk to Dundy County Stratton, Perkins County, Wauneta-Palisade and Holyoke FFA chapters to see if they have anyone interested.

Time is running out on the summer, but Grams is hopeful a tractor drive can be arranged before school starts. Other club possibilities include driving in parades and visiting nursing homes.

Several area businesses have offered support for the club, including 21st Century Equipment, Adams Bank, Pinnacle Bank, Imperial Credit Union, Frenchman Valley Coop, Harchelroad Motors Ag, Reinke Irrigation, Colson Agency and Prairie States Communication.

Anyone interested in the club can call Grams at home, 308-882-5449, or on his cell phone, 308-882-5200.