Restored tractors to be raffled

Restored FFA tractors were on display at last week's Gordyville farm show / CIFN photo.

Members of the Cissna Park and Prairie Central FFA chapters were both at the Gordyville farm show selling tickets for a chance at winning restored tractors.

The Cissna Park chapter will raffle off a John Deere 1941 Model B tractor at its annual banquet March 16. The money raised will go toward various FFA projects.

“We’ll call, e-mail or contact the winner,” said Philip Eisenmann, Cissna Park FFA student advisor.

Meanwhile, the Prairie Central FFA chapter overhauled and cleaned up a 1946 Farmall H which will be raffled March 22 during the annual Prairie Central FFA auction. Tickets are available from FFA members or during the upcoming February 24 Farm and Home Show at Prairie Central Upper Elementary in Forrest.

“We took it to Ben Meister and he sandblasted and painted it all,” explained Prairie Central senior Trevor Plenert. “Now it looks brand new.”

The tractor restoration took roughly 18 weeks – all the way from teardown to painting.

FFA member Jacob Leman says the February Farm and Home Show is a day for everyone and especially the kids. Around 75 exhibitors are expected at the show this year which takes place in the PCUE gymnasium.

“The FFA alumni chapter serves the lunch meal, usually pork chops and pork burgers,” Leman stated.

Several area businesses donated items to be auctioned off at the high school in March. The proceeds all go to the PC FFA and a hog roast meal is served in the cafeteria prior to the auction.

“It’s usually just a pretty good time to get some money into the FFA,” said PC FFA member Morgan Hoffman.

During National FFA Week, students from the Prairie Central elementary schools visit the high school ag shop for the annual petting zoo put on by the high school ag students. The kids typically enjoy the event which takes quite a bit of preparation, according to Hoffman.