Tractor Museum at College of the Ozarks

 On our recent trip to Branson, Missouri, we visited College of the Ozarks. College of the Ozarks

Pictures above are of 3 restored tractors. Same as I had on my lettuce farm many years ago. A real surprise!

Ford 8N
Allis Chalmers Model G
International Cub

My new BLOG 

For anyone wondering what the above is all about...here is some info from my LINKEDIN profile.

 ●   With the perfection of the art and science of lettuce growing, we became the grower/supplier of choice for both Kohl’s and Sentry (Godfrey Co/Flemming Co.), the two top food chain stores in Wisconsin at the time. Marketing was not a challenge.

●   Had a high tech irrigated lettuce farm in the City of Glendale (Suburb now of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

●   Specialized in growing Bibb, Romaine, Boston and Leaf lettuce. Had the highest quality lettuce by applying foliar applications of key minor elements as needed and keeping soil nutrients and PH at optimum levels.

Attended the first Ag Expo in Tulare California in Feb 1968 to see and learn about the latest technology for growing lettuce. Also toured the lettuce growing areas from San Diego to San Francisco. Many years later attended the same event as a volunteer for Chapin Living Waters manning their booth...shared with Jain Irrigation Co. Chapin Living Waters

●   Two challenges to a profitable crop were too much or too little water.

●    As a result we designed and implemented a drainage system that drained the excess water from the soil in early spring at least 2 weeks earlier than without the system, thereby drying and warming up the soil early and producing our first crop while supplies from the South and West still had a high price.

●   For lack of rain, we had an irrigation system that supplied water when and where we needed it.

●   Designed and built 3 “Plastic Houses” so we could get a head start on the season by transplanting lettuce into the field in mid April and thereby harvesting our first crop by June 1st, favorably competing with higher priced lettuce from “warmer” climates.

●   As a result of the above, we produced two and sometimes three crops of lettuce a year!

Laying 6 inch concrete tile 3 feet under surface ...to remove excess water in spring so that soil would dry up sooner so planting could be done.

●   As a result of economic expansion of the City of Glendale, and installation of sewer and water to our property, and with high taxes, we were forced out of business.  Developed farm into Industrial Park.

The full story of our Lettuce Farm