It is RUNNING!  I buttoned up my 1960 Gravely Model Li restoration just about a week ago!  I'm very pleased with how it turned out.  This tractor is NOT meant to be a show piece.  I intend to use this as a working tractor.  There are several things about this tractor that are different from my other model, a 5260.  First of all there is no governor mechanizm that carefully adds throttle when needed.  That job falls to the operator!  If you need a little more power, like when cutting through thick grass, you have to add throttle yourself.  It takes a little getting used to.  The directional control levers are reversed which is very....

The grain field has really exploded these past few weeks.  The corn really liked all that heat we had!  It went from about knee high to taller than me right now!  The ears of corn are just beginning to form and swell.  The barley has "headed out" meaning that the heads of grain are emerging from the stalks.  The small needle like shoots that are attached to each grain are called "awns".  Awns are pretty interesting.  In barley they aide in photosynthesis.  In some strains of wheat such as "emmer" the awns actually have little hairs on them that contract and move with humidity.  This is important because if the grains were to ever hit ground these little hairs would contract and help to push the little grain into the soil!  Very cool!

Open Farm Day 2011 is a wholesome family adventure that offers a hayride of fun. On Sunday, July 24, farms throughout all 16 counties will open their gates to offer the public an opportunity to learn about the business of agriculture.

Open Farm Day gives you and your family the chance to visit local farms throughout the state.  Visiting hours are generally from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.