Growing Up With McCormick
September 17, 2009

I recently received a picture from one of our good dealers, Robert and Rachel Mais of Fritz Implement in Monett, Missouri, of their three year old grandson, Addison on his toy McCormick XTX tractor. It seems Addison already has a love for tractors; McCormick tractors. According to his Grandma, McCormick tractors have been part of Addison's life every since he was a baby.

Robert and Rachel attended the 2004 Dealer Awards Program in Doncaster, England and bought a McCormick story book for little Addison. It is through this book that he has known about McCormick since he was a baby. And to show you how much he really knows about tractors, his daddy, Rodney recently asked Addison if a passing motorcycle on the highway was like the one his Papa rides. Addison replied his Papa drives a tractor.

Dave Stotts, Fritz Implement, Parts Manager attended our 1^st annual Parts Fair in December 2008 and won the XTX toy tractor. Dave gave the tractor to Addison who has been riding it every since. But, Addison was no stranger to tractors. He loves to visit the dealership and ride with his Papa on the big McCormick tractors. You've got to love little Addison. He's kid after my own heart that I hope to meet some day.

Thanks, Robert and Rachel for the picture and congratulations on Fritz's upcoming 30^th anniversary. I truly hope the planned banquet is a success. Thanks for partnering with McCormick. We appreciate all that you do.

An Interesting Marriage Carriage
September 14, 2009

We have a very good dealer, B&D Equipment in Erin, Tennessee owned and operated by father, Ronnie Whitaker and his son Daniel. I have known Mr. Whitaker (Ronnie) for many years. He does a great job. We are very thankful for all they do to promote McCormick. On April 26, 2008, Daniel got married. That in itself is not unusual, but his choice of transportation from the church was; a McCormick CX 105.

This sort of thing was probably not unusual for Daniel, who grew up on a farm, but it probably was for his wife, Jennifer, who did not grow up on a farm. Now, that is an understanding bride and a dedicated groom. I just had to share these photos with everyone and thank Jennifer for being such a good sport. Daniel is now a stepfather of two children and is having fun teaching them the ropes in the tractor business. Thanks, Daniel for sharing and good luck in your marriage.

Another Great Farm Progress Show
September 10, 2009

The Farm Progress Show is always a delight. The first day was one of the biggest crowds that I have seen in years. The show features some of the newest and most innovative equipment in the industry. Last week was truly a fun experience for anyone who loves agriculture. I met so many McCormick customers and dealers. It was a joy to learn from them. I always look forward to seeing many friends from back home in Illinois and my brothers.

Normally, the show is in late September. One of the disadvantages of moving the show up one month was there has not been much corn to harvest as it is too wet. They did harvest a small amount, but not like in years past. Also tillage is limited. I guess you must give up some things to get another.

We were able to show many of our redesigned tractors this year, including the newly redesigned C-Max with its independent PTO, new cab and hood. It will truly be a tractor to be recognized in the future. There was lots of interest in the TTX and MTX. Thanks, to everyone who came and made it special. See you all at Farm Science Review in London, OH, in two weeks. Have a great day.

Half Century of Progress 50 Mile Tractor Ride
September 02, 2009

Wow! What a thrill following Max Armstrong, on one of my favorite antique tractors, and almost 200 other drivers for a 50 mile, yes I said 50 mile, tractor ride in the Half Century of Progress farm show. It was the longest I have spent in a tractor seat in a long time; almost seven hours. We went to Penfield and the AG Museum in Rantoul and saw the Turbine tractor built by IH in the mid 60's. It is on loan from the Smithsonian Institute. I've seen pictures of the tractor before, but never in person. I went to the Smithsonian recently while in Washington, D.C. to see it, but found out it was in Illinois.

After the 50 mile ride, we made our way back to the show. Max insisted I lead us in the show grounds, which was a great treat. "Big Bud" then picked up the parade. It was quite a sight. What a huge machine. Well, it's off to another show. It is good talking to farmers and producers at these farm shows. It's also was very educational for this farm boy.

Exciting Dealer Visits and Farm Shows
August 26, 2009

While Alan and I visited with some of our larger dealers in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa, we were able to learn lots of great firsthand information that will help us better manage the company. We got to see great countryside and visit with some exceptional people. We visited with the fine folks at Greenburg Implement in Anoka, MN. Greenburg has been in business since, well a long time, at least way before my time and I'm no spring chicken. They were first an Oliver dealer, then IH, (maybe a few more in between) and are still Case-IH as well as one of our McCormick dealers and a very successful one.

I truly enjoyed visiting with Harvey, who is about my dad's age. He reminded me so much of my dad, listening to his many great stories of tractors of the past. They have some great McCormick customers and one who is contemplating buying six more new McCormick's. Thanks Harvey, Jim, Rollie, Isaac, and all the folks at Greenburg Implement for being so kind to Alan and me and for being such a great dealer, but more importantly, great people. I hope I can end my life being as good a person as Harvey. If so, then I will count my life as a success.

Another of the fine dealers we were lucky to spend time with was Jungclaus Implement in Glencoe, MN. Mark Jungclaus, owner and Burt Klitzke, sales manager are really a pleasure to work with. Mark may have the nicest dealership I have ever been in. It's truly a state of the art dealership and the architecture was amazing. Mark designed most of it himself and does a wonderful job servicing his customers. He is also a great marketer. I want to mention a great act of kindness performed by Burt, who donated a 1940 "H" McCormick Deering Farmall to St. Matthew's Lutheran Church for an auction to benefit the church parsonage beautification in honor of his brother, Dean Klitzke, who died last year of cancer. My heart goes out to Burt and for everyone who has lost a loved one to cancer. Burt and his wife are absolutely lovely people. I was lucky to have them on a trip to Italy with me last year. Thanks Mark and Burt for all you do.

I will be attending the "Half Century of Progress" sponsored by McCormick, which runs 8/27-30 in Rantoul, IL, just 30 miles or so from the "Farm Progress Show" in Decatur, IL. It starts September 1st. It's just one day in between and a few short miles and will be action packed days filled with customer and dealers meetings. Max Armstrong will be in our booth. You can see him on Tuesday morning, for sure. He is always a great attraction, not to mention our tractors. I very much look forward to all of the excitement and seeing all of the great products that we will display like our new TTX and new redesigned MTX tractors. It also is great to see tractors at work in the fields doing tillage and to see combines harvesting corn, which is my personal favorite. I can't wait for harvest to start. There is no better task on any farm that I enjoy more. Please come by and see us and let us explain the benefits of McCormick ownership. We love to meet existing customers and look forward to meeting new customers. See you there.

Unique Tractor Collector
August 21, 2009

Recently, Alan Hargis and I were in Marshall, Minnesota at an open house of one of our best dealers, Tom Kesteloot of Kesteloot Enterprises and got to meet a lot of great folks. Tom has so many great customers and proud McCormick owners. I truly enjoyed meeting them all. A few are also antique tractor collectors just as I am.

Mylan Larson has built a 7/16 scale model of his "BIG BUD" 400/30. It is quite the site for a farm boy like me and believe it or not, it was the first Big Bud I have ever seen in person. It's a great prelude to the "Half Century of Progress sponsored by McCormick" being held next week, where the largest tractor ever built; a 747 Big Bud will be on display. I can't wait to see it! Mylan had a great story written about his tractor in the Toy Farmer back in December 2003, which is available (click on PDF link below). Thanks Mylan, Terry and Monty for a great visit at your farm and for being fans of old tractors and new McCormick's.

I also got to drive a unique tractor, an Allis Chalmers "G", owned by a great guy and fellow Christian, Lee Ulstad of Madison, Minnesota. He is also a customer of Tom's. I don't think I had ever driven a "G" before although I have seen many. They were built not too far from Atlanta in Gadsen, AL. The factory is still there. I've heard about the reunion they hold every year or so. I'd love to go someday. Lee also owns a McCormick 10-20. Now, that's an old tractor! He also has a 22-36 as well as many other tractors of those golden days.

Thanks, Tom, Lee, Mylan and all the folks in Minnesota for making us feel welcome and most importantly for your commitment to McCormick International.

Click Here to Download PDF File

FFA Board and On the Road
August 07, 2009

I was recently asked to be on the Future Farmers of America (FFA) Sponsors board for Georgia. It is an honor to help the young people of America who want to be involved in the Ag industry. I met some great folks who put in a lot of time for this worthy cause. Katrina Jones, Executive Director of the foundation, does the work of several in her role. She works tirelessly to further the cause of the FFA in Georgia and America. Mark Camp of Southern States and many other folks are also involved and share a love for old tractors. Mark shared his newly acquired Super "M" with me. What a great story he has. I am honored to count Mark as a friend.

Next week, Alan Hargis and I will travel to Minnesota and Wisconsin to spend some time with some key dealers. We have also been invited to an open house at Kesteloot Enterprises by Tom Kesteloot. We look forward to this opportunity and the chance to meet so many of our dealers in their dealerships. I know I will see lots of old tractors, which is always a joy. I'm sure we will learn much and that is what we strive to do.

There are several upcoming farm shows I hope to see many of you at. "Half Century of Progress" in Rantoul, IL is the first, followed by a one day visit to the "Farm Progress Show", in Decatur, IL and then "Husker Harvest" in Grand Island, Nebraska. Visit McCormick's Farm Show Calendar for more details. I am always excited about farm shows and the experience they bring. I hope to get the chance to spend time with lots of our customers and dealers at these shows.

Be safe and God Bless your travels and experiences.

Refreshing - - Satisfied Customer Says, “Well Done”
July 15, 2009

I get lots of correspondence from our customers. Unfortunately like you, people who are happy with your products and services do not send you notes or cards of appreciation very often. However, there are some exceptions. I would like to recognize the employee and the dealer, involved.

Mr. James Blansett of Mountain View, AR recently purchased a McCormick CX 75 and wrote to tell me about the great service he received from one of our customer service employees, Delana Funderburk and one of our very good dealers, Hirsch Farm and Feed, in West Plains, MO, service technician's, Mr. Charles Moss. I have attached the letter he wrote and pictures of the Farmall "Cub" he restored.

Mr. Blansett's comments about the extra mile that Mr. Moss went to and the service Delana gives everyday are a tribute to these fine people. I want to join him in saying, "thanks for a job well done." It is an honor to work with dealers and employees such as these. I am also appreciative of the fact that Mr. Blansett chose a McCormick tractor when he could have bought any brand out there. We all are really thankful for that. I hope to visit with Mr. Blansett and see his collection of antique tractors some day or at least the red ones (just kidding; I enjoy all tractors). Keep up the good work Delana, Charles, and Hirsch Farm and Feed.

Click Here to Download PDF File

Good News and “Breaking” Those Show Cows!
July 10, 2009

Last week I sent an e-mail to many of you about Lance Hargis, the 18 year old son of Alan Hargis, VP of Sales here at McCormick. He has been critically ill with complications from a disease called Vasculitis. He was on a ventilator last week and the prognosis was terribly bad, but through many of your prayers he has improved tremendously! He is off the ventilator and hopefully "out of the woods". I know Alan and his family appreciate all the prayers and acts of kindness. Thank you all, for that!

Last night my daughter, Mallory, who works in Inside Sales at McCormick USA and I started getting our cows ready for the annual preparations of the county fair. I still love the fair and everything about it, especially the food. Seeing all the cows, hogs, goats, sheep, etc. is still very exciting for this farm boy. We showed these same three heifers as six month old calves last year so "breaking" them to halter lead should be much easier. Mallory was able to get the halters on quickly and they did not fight them as they did in the past. We sure go to a lot of work for a five-minute show, but anyone who has gone through these rituals and I know many of you have, know it is about the preparations, the care of the animals and the commrodary of the many fine people associated with fairs all over America. It is part of the American fiber, much the same as apple pie and baseball. As I have stated before, I love being part of American agriculture, to be called a "farmer" and to be able to work in agriculture at McCormick USA. I know many of you feel the same.

Have a good weekend and God Bless!

Did Someone Say, “Pink Tractor”?
June 26, 2009

I want to tell you about a recent event that McCormick had the opportunity to participate in.  A while back I met a wonderful lady by the name of Tammi Greenwald.  Actually, we were stuck in a long line together trying to parade our tractors through the grandstand at the 2007 "Half Century of Progress" and with her refreshing personality, we became friends.

What drew me in Tammi's direction was a "Pink Farmall M"  If anyone knows me, they know I couldn't resist the chance to find out why on earth this tractor was pink.  Tammi told me what started out to be poking a little fun at Max Armstrong, turned out to be one of the most important opportunities to raise money and bring awareness to a very serious disease, breast cancer. 

Tammi contacted me earlier this year and asked if we could help sponsor the "Pink Tractor" and raise awareness about this horrible disease. In my willingness to help I turned this request over to my Marketing Manager, Tammie Snodgrass. Tammie made contact with Tammi and the rest is history. These two women started working on an event in which the Pink Tractor Lady was invited to Sidell, Illinois' 125^th celebration which was June 19-21. From what I understand it was a great event. 

The two convinced Max Armstrong to come out and participate, give away tee shirts, raffle off 10 McCormick MTX150 toy tractors and two pink peddle tractors with all of the proceeds going to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. What a great way to help others, something we all should do more of. My heart-felt appreciation goes out to Tammi Greenwald and the great heart she has for cancer victims and also to Tammie Snodgrass for her help as well as Max Armstrong. I hope all of us can use Tammi Greenwald as an example and give something back to others. God Bless you, Tammi. I look forward to us working together, again in the near future.

An Enjoyable Visit to Brooks McCormick’s St. James Farm
June 12, 2009

Recently while on business to the upper Midwest, I got the opportunity to get a personal tour of Brooks McCormick's farm called "St. James Farm" in Du Page County, IL. Brooks was the great-grandnephew of Cyrus McCormick, our founder, and the final family member to lead the company founded by Cyrus McCormick.

Brooks was CEO of International Harvester (IH) from 1971 to 1978. He was, by many accounts, a great philanthropist; although most say he was not very personal or emotional. He was truly beloved by the manager of St. James Farm, Mr. Wayne Zaininger, who graciously spent two hours giving me a very personal and guided tour. St. James Farm is now owned by the Du Page County Forest Preserve District. Brooks sold it to them before his death; however, ownership did not change until after he passed in 2006.

Wayne has worked on the farm and for Mr. McCormick since he was 16, back in the early 80's. I truly hung on to Wayne's every word as he told story after story of the former CEO of IH. Brooks loved horses and made the farm into an equestrian haven. The riding arena, stables and the old dairy the family ran for many years were really great for this farm boy to see. It was déjà vu.

There are still two tractors on the farm that Brooks owned. Man, would I love to own one of them; well me and hundreds of other collectors. Today, the farm is an oasis in a concrete jungle in Warrenville, IL, a suburb of Chicago. Brooks loved to host and was very involved in the community. The farm is now opened on select weekends. What a beautiful site to see! If you are interested in McCormick history and in the area you won't regret taking this tour. Thanks to Wayne for a great afternoon and to my friend, Max Armstrong who set up the tour for me.

McCormick Buys a McCormick
June 09, 2009

If you have read enough of my Blogs you know I love a good tractor story, particularly a McCormick tractor story. One of our dealers, Mobile Ag & Industry in Bakersfield, CA, recently shared a story with me about one of their customers. Brian McCormick (I don't think he's related to Cyrus McCormick, our founder), a Los Angeles County Firefighter by trade, just bought a new McCormick CT65U, one of our compact tractors. Brian and his wife, Wendy, have two acres in Antelope Acres, CA. They are planning to expand their farming now that they have the new compact.

The McCormick's have big plans for their new CT65U. One of the first jobs is tilling the soil to prepare for a late spring corn planting. Brian will also use his new tractor to pull his new McCormick disc harrow, rototiller and box scraper. The dirt and fields will have to wait just a little bit, because Brian's says the very first job for his new CT65U is to show it off in the local parade, once he's given it the first wax and polish. I can certainly relate.

A group of McCormick employees and myself just participated in a local Memorial Day parade in Dacula, GA (pictures are available on the Events page). I got to drive my dad, Gene Miller's very last, new International Harvest model 1086 that he bought before he died. I was able to track it down, buy it back and restore it. That's another story. I drove it with pride in the Dacula Memorial Day parade. What a great feeling!

Brian and Wendy, I hope your son Seamus gets to experience the legacy of your Farmall and McCormick as I have with my dad's tractors. Thank you for being a McCormick customer. Mobile Ag, thank you for being a loyal and dedicated dealer. We appreciate all that you do!  

Congratulations to ALL the High School Graduates Especially My Son
May 29, 2009

Many of you parents are experiencing the same emotions and thoughts as I have this week. Last night we attended my son, Reid's, High School Baccalaureate service at Hebron Baptist Church. It will be another emotional night this evening as he graduates from Hebron Christian High School in Dacula, GA with another one of our own McCormick team member's daughter, Britleigh Brasfield.

Thad Brasfield, McCormick's New Dealer Coordinator and his wife, Kendra will also watch their daughter graduate this evening from Hebron Baptist Church. Britleigh will attend Kennesaw University. Alan Hargis, VP of Sales and his wife Patti, twin sons; Luke and Lance will graduate from Harnett Central High School in Angier, NC next week. They are undecided right now, on which university they will attend as the family is moving here to the Duluth area this summer.

Reid is the last of our children to graduate from high school. We now, somewhat enter a new era of life. Gone are high school basketball and football games, proms, youth retreats and many other activities that our lives have evolved around with our three kids for over 20 years. Although, many other things remain some new activities will now evolve.

Reid has been accepted to a few schools, but just yesterday was accepted at Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA. He will visit next week and will soon make a decision (with some input from his family) as to whether he will go away or stay locally. It will be hard to have him go away to school as he has been such a joy to have around for the last almost 19 years. I know he will still be around, just not every day.

We now must start the process, as so many of you have already done; letting go, watching them mature as adults and form their own lives. This is a difficult process as any parent knows. However, I also look forward to a new phase of life for us all. One slightly less hectic, but just as fulfilling I am sure. One thing for sure, Kendra and I have been truly blessed to have had the three children we've been so privileged to raise.

We have made many mistakes, as you all can attest to I'm sure, but the benefits and joys far outweigh the tough times we have had, which is also part of life. The rough parts of life help us to be more appreciative of the good times and not get too comfortable here in life. We must remember this is just a temporary arraignment. There will be "another place and time" for us all. I'd like to think that the people in our life that really count are the ones that will be by our bedside when we die. We often lose sight of the things that really matter in life. I also am reminded that life is short and the struggles of this day will soon pass and be forgotten, but what we do for others remain forever. I fail as a person many times in life, but I'm thankful for my many blessings, as I'm sure you all are also.

Again, congratulations to all the graduates for a job well done and to their parents for the great support they have given them for so many years.

A 1086 with a “Legacy” -- My Ride Down MEMORY LANE
May 19, 2009

Anyone who grew up on a farm and loves their Daddy and his tractors can relate to my recent experience. In August 2007, I had the privilege to buy back the last new tractor my Dad, Gene Miller, purchased. He had only purchased four new tractors in his lifetime. It was a 1978 model, IH 1086 that he'd purchased in January 1979. I had the good fortune to find this tractor that carries many memories and reminders of days gone by, on another emotional day, the day my father passed away, August 15, 2007. It is a unique story that you can read in its entirety in the News and Publications.

The 1086 has been in the process of being restored for several months. I received the tractor here at our office in Duluth last Friday May 15^th. It was a great day for me, as I was reminded of the day more than 30 years ago when I drove it home, new from the dealership. Also, the many remembrances of my Father and the tremendous impact he had on my life. My good friend and editor of Grit Magazine, Hank Will is going to write an article that will appear in various magazines, but I wrote some of the facts in an article I alluded to earlier that you can read. I know I will never measure up to the great man my Dad was, but I am thankful I had his example and thankful to proudly show this tractor as a tribute to farmers everywhere and to the legacy I am so proud to be a part of today and forever.

Dalton – 9 Year Old Future Tractor Dealer
May 07, 2009

Don and Jenise Hook, owners of one of our fine dealerships, Sloop Sales & Hook's Repair sent me some pictures of Dalton, their nine year old son and his McCormick tractor. He had his bedroom remodeled and has a McCormick tractor painted on the wall. Dalton is a third grader at Lyndon Elementary School. He is a farm boy at heart, like I was at his age and still am.

Jenise, his mother says, "Dalton is into farm toys and equipment, cattle, gardening and loves to fish with his Grandpa. He is in 4-H has two steers and one breeding Heifer he also has five cows in our herd of his own."

Like his older brothers, Tyler and Adam, Dalton is working in the family business and on the family farm. He sounds a lot like me when I was a young boy. Jenise said he greets and waits on the customers. No one is a stranger to Dalton. I've never met Dalton, but I sure would like to some day. Dalton, I see you running the family business one day. Keep up the good work!