The atmosphere was electric at the Westfair Ampitheatre in Council Bluffs as folks from many different states and backgrounds gathered to kick off the 23rd annual Great Iowa Tractor Ride:
It's such a big deal that it could only be properly executed by USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue, Undersecretary Bill Northey, Governor Kim Reynolds and Iowa Ag Secretary Mike Naig. Of course one of the staples of summer is Ice Cream, and Farmers National Company was nice enough to provide the homemade variety for riders:
What a unique tractor they have to run the mixer! Speaking of tractors, they come from near and far and through adverse weather conditions:
We thank our participants and drivers for perservering, including our Big Show buddy and incoming National Corn Growers Association President Kevin Ross:
After all the tractors were parked and the participants gathered to see old friends and make new ones, Iowa Ag Secretary Mike Naig took to the podium:
It's only fitting that the man who hired him at the Iowa Department of Ag and Land Stewardship and current USDA Undersecretary Bill Northey was there to provide remarks:
Of course, one of the signature Ag events in the country each year would only be complete with comments from the Governor of the host state, Kim Reynolds:
This year we were graced with the presence of USDA Secretary of Ag Sonny Perdue:
Secretary Perdue is driving his family's very own 1968 656 Diesel Hydro to lead the 23rd Great Iowa Tractor Ride on it's first day:
Followed closely by Undersecretary Bill Northey on the John Deere 70:
Followed closely by Governor Kim Reynolds on the John Deere 4050:
Followed closely by Iowa Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig, with a tow rope on board in case any of the other three need a hand:
Of course, the night wouldn't be complete without a tour of all the rich Ag history on display for all of our leaders:
Don't miss a single moment of coverage from one of the marquee events in Ag each year by clicking below to listen: