Greetings from Dyersville!

I can’t believe it’s already July. Where did June go? The corn in Iowa is really growing now that we’re getting some of the normal, hot summer days. Hopefully this weather pattern continues and the crops continue to thrive.

If you’ve read some of my earlier blogs you’ll recall a goal I have to visit all 99 counties in Iowa. I was able to check another dozen off the list a few weeks ago. On the trip we visited Audubon, where you can find the huge “Albert the Bull” display. This bull was built in 1964, is over 28 feet high and weighs 45 tons. We had Herefords on the farm when I was growing up, but nothing like this.

We also went through Madison county, which is famous for its covered bridges. The “Hogback Bridge” was built in 1884 by Winterset. There are only six covered bridges left in Iowa and “Hogback” was the last all lumber truss bridge built.

We just recently heard the news that many of the major farm shows are being cancelled for 2020 including the Farm Progress Show and Husker Harvest. Many of you know that we produce “Farm Show” units and we already had these planned, so we’re moving forward with the following:

Case IH: We are producing both a 1:32nd and 1:64th Case IH AFS Connect Steiger 540CVX models. (1:32nd is stock number 44187OTP and 1:64th is stock number 44188OTP) These models will have many updates including new exhaust and air intake, changes to the interior and exterior of the cab, and the new graphics look. You will also find special “chase units” in both models. These units will be availablelatein August.

John Deere: We are showcasing the new 8R tractors that John Deere has recently announced including the new 1:32nd 8RX 370 tracked model (Stock number 45748OTP) and the 1:64th 8R 370 wheeled tractor. (Stock # 45749OTP) Both of these tractors are newly tooled and include the new hood and cab designs, included a detailed interior, mirrors, 3-point hitches and more. These two units will also have special “chase units”, so be on the lookout. The John Deere units should start showing up in early August.

Another tractor coming in August is the 1:32nd White Plainsman Tractor being produced for the Toy Farmer. (Stock number 16403OTP) This tractor features a revised hood and grille along with the unique “Plainsman” graphics. Only 2,500 of these tractors are being produced, and are exclusive for the Toy Farmer.

We also have several other new 1:64th items coming out shortly. They include the following:

1:64th IH 660 tractor – (Stock number 44227) Produced from 1959 to 1963, the IH 660 was only built as a Standard/Wheatland tractor. They replaced the 600/650 series of tractors. With 80+ PTO horsepower it was a brute for its time. It was replaced by the 806 tractor in 1963. The 806 was also available in standard/wheatland configurations.

1:64th Case 1270 tractor – (Stock number 44228) The Case 1270 tractors were produced from 1972 through 1978 and were produced in Racine, WI at the Case plant. It produced over 120+ PTO horsepower when it was introduced and was increased to 135 horsepower in 1974. The 1270 had new inboard planetaries so it could work better in row crop conditions vs. the Case 1170/1175 tractors that had outboard planetaries. Our version features the later “Power White/Power Red” paint scheme that came out in 1974.

Enjoy your summer, and please stay safe.

Until next time,

Bill