The 53rd Annual Rock River Thresheree Reunion was held September 4th-7th (Friday-Monday), 2009.

The feature of our show was Orphans & Oddballs tractors and engines with a special emphasis on high crop and orchard tractors.

High crops such as the top tractor in the logo at left are known for tall spindles on the front axles and drop-down rear axles. This gives the tractor a high ground clearance useful in the farming of vegetables, flowers or other tall, bushy crops. Some manufacturers called their high crops "vegetable tractors."

Orchard tractors such as the bottom tractor at left are generally smaller than a standard tractor. Many have tracks instead of wheels while others are known for their swooping or conical fenders. They were produced for use in orchards (hence the name) and vineyards.

Both of the tractors in the above logo are John Deeres. I liked the idea of forward-facing images so that those unfamiliar with high crop and orchard tractors could see their extreme differences at once. What sounded like a simple idea turned out not to be. These images of the Deeres were the only forward-facing ones I could find but luckily they sure are nice examples!

As photos and such from the show and feature become available, I will put it online for all to see.