Farming takes more than just good soil and weather—it also takes the right equipment for the job. On our farm, tractors are the backbone of nearly every task, and over the years we’ve come to rely on a mix of old standbys and newer machines to keep things running smoothly. Each tractor has its own specialty, and we thought you’d enjoy a closer look at the lineup that helps us plant, grow, and harvest your food.
When it comes time to get seeds in the ground, we bring out a few workhorses: the Maxim 150, International 756, International 806, and International 656. These tractors are well-suited for the precision work of pulling planters across the fields, making sure rows are straight and spacing is just right. Planting sets the stage for everything that follows, so we trust these machines to get it right from the start.
Once the crops are up, weeds become the next challenge. For cultivating, we turn to the International 856. This tractor is nimble and powerful enough to pull through the rows, working the soil and keeping weeds at bay. Cultivation helps conserve moisture and gives the plants room to thrive, and the 856 has been a steady partner in that task.
When harvest time arrives, we shift gears to the International M’s, paired with wagons to haul in the crops. For sweet corn, we use a Pixall Corn Picker, which makes quick work of gathering the ears and loading them for transport. Harvest is one of the busiest times on the farm, and having reliable equipment is key to keeping everything moving from field to shed without delay.
Before and after the season, the soil needs to be prepared. For this, we use the Magnum 315, a larger, more modern tractor designed to handle the heavy work of tillage. It breaks up the ground, incorporates crop residue, and gets the soil ready for the next planting. The Magnum’s strength and efficiency make it an indispensable part of setting the stage for future harvests.
Every tractor we use has its own role, but together they represent continuity. Some are older models that have been with us for decades, others are newer additions built for efficiency, but each one is a part of the bigger picture. They are tools, yes, but they’re also part of the story of how our family has kept farming for six generations. When you see fresh sweet corn or green beans in your CSA box, you’re also seeing the result of those machines rumbling through the fields, season after season.
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