I know what you mean. I'm not exactly young but not quite middle aged either.
A lot of it has to do with how our society has evolved and become (in my opinion) too dependent on technology to do things for you and too "quick fix" "gotta have it now".
Antique farm equipment strikes a good balance between human skill and technology. Planting or cultivating for example takes skill, vigilance and constant attention and at the end of the day you are rewarded with straight rows and a good stand of crops. You are directly involved in a literally hands on way.
Fixing up or restoring an old tractor provides the same type of experience.
It's about doing something challenging that involves all 5 senses. You are doing something productive that also requires skill and creativity.
Generally speaking the younger generation has been more heavily exposed to abstract experiences and notions of work. Too much media pushing young minds this way and that. Facebook vs. family gatherings, texting vs. phone calls, American Idol vs. Grand Ol' Oprey. So much happening faster than you don't have time to absorb and think about it.
To us the old tractors and equipment are representative of ideas we share of accepting that there's hard work to be done and taking joy in doing that work.
So out of all that, I think there's more to it than just the music. It's a difference in overall point of view and way of thinking.
Back to your original question of how to reach out and inspire the younger generation, I think you're on the right track with skill type events and demonstrations. I think it helps when there is operating equipment: hay presses, belted wood working equipment, threshing machines. It shows how the stuff is used and helps develop an appreciation of step by step craftsmanship. As some mentioned, the equip being accessible vs. roped off (within reasonable safety) helps.
The good news is that the older generation of tractor/equipment enthusiasts have the right disposition and people skills to reach out. The overwhelming majority of people I talk to at tractor shows are very approachable, friendly and happy to talk. Makes a good lasting impression.
I can tell you this story about myself. I also have an appreciation of WWII aircraft and aviation. I remember going to C.A.F. airshows in my single digit years and trying to talk to the old guys sitting around the Corsairs, mustangs and what have you. These old C.A.F. guys would not give me the time of day. They were the most rude, snobish and arrogant bunch of A-h@les that I have ever had the misfortune of meeting at a public event. So, a good example of how _not_ to be!
We sell tractor parts! We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today. [ About Us ]
Today's Featured Article - A Lifetime of Farm Machinery - by Joe Michaels. I am a mechanical engineer by profession, specializing in powerplant work. I worked as a machinist and engine erector, with time spent overseas. I have always had a love for machinery, and an appreciation for farming and farm machinery. I was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. Not a place one would associate with farms or farm machinery. I credit my parents for instilling a lot of good values, a respect for learning, a knowledge of various skills and a little knowledge of farming in me, amo
... [Read Article]
Latest Ad:
1964 I-H 140 tractor with cultivators and sidedresser. Starts and runs good. Asking 2650. CALL RON AT 502-319-1952
[More Ads]
All Rights Reserved. Reproduction of any part of this website, including design and content, without written permission is strictly prohibited. Trade Marks and Trade Names contained and used in this Website are those of others, and are used in this Website in a descriptive sense to refer to the products of others. Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy
TRADEMARK DISCLAIMER: Tradenames and Trademarks referred to within Yesterday's Tractor Co. products and within the Yesterday's Tractor Co. websites are the property of their respective trademark holders. None of these trademark holders are affiliated with Yesterday's Tractor Co., our products, or our website nor are we sponsored by them. John Deere and its logos are the registered trademarks of the John Deere Corporation. Agco, Agco Allis, White, Massey Ferguson and their logos are the registered trademarks of AGCO Corporation. Case, Case-IH, Farmall, International Harvester, New Holland and their logos are registered trademarks of CNH Global N.V.