I noticed something the other day while getting the photos ready for today’s post. The trucks at the Empire Farm Days are never new. The tractors and other various implements are new but not the trucks. Example, this 1996 International Paystar with H & S forage box. New body. Old truck. Don’t get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with old trucks. In fact I prefer them over the newer models. Farms are often a good final job for old rigs as they stay off the road during the salt rot months and are usually looked after rather well. A farmer makes no money if the crops rot in the field so your truck better run. I suppose this is a case of function coming before form. Besides, who could afford a new truck after buying a new tractor?

This Kenworth may have been a newer model but they have used the same body style for so long who can tell.

This older style Mack has a giant blender out back.

If you’re looking for new models the trucks hauling show goods usually were top of the line. Check out this JCB Peterbilt 579. This truck has patio doors and an attached deck.

Some oldies made the trip as well. A local tractor club brought along some trucks to spice things up. This International KB is the perfect combination of survivor/restored.

Below, some video from the demonstration field.

And the rest.

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Last week I made what is turning out to be an annual trip to the Empire Farm Days show. If you’ve been here before you know the drill but if your new here is the gist. Every year a three day show is held that showcases the latest and greatest in farm equipment, crop management, livestock betterment and more. Think of it as the Worlds Fair for agriculture. There are plenty of seminars and demonstrations to enjoy if you’re into that type of thing. Personally, I skip the dairy heard management techniques and usually check out the tractors demos.

I used to gawk at these machines as a child and not much has changed now. Well, back then I used to climb up into the cab and poke at the peddles and switches but that seems like a strange thing to do at my age. I don’t want to be that guy who shoves little kids out of the way so I can sit in the cab making tractor sounds.

As I mentioned before live demonstrations are a hallmark of the show. Very little is on display that at some point in time will not be seen at the demonstration field. Bleachers are setup along with a PA system for narration. It’s like a dog show but with tractors. After each demonstration the crowd is invited out into the field to see the results of the equipment first hand. If you know what you are looking at the demos can be a strong selling point. And don’t forget about show specials on equipment that is used! Deep discounts.

Tomorrow, some coverage of the trucks and other unique vehicles at the show but until then, the tractors.

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