We're always being asked questions about the Show-Me Tractor Cruise...here's some of the more Frequently Asked Questions and their answers.  If you have something on your mind you'd like to know, e-mail the webmaster at the link below.

Q.  How did idea of the Show-Me Tractor Cruise begin?
A.  Tractorcades and tractor rides have been going on for years now.  The most famous tractor ride is probably one conducted in 1977 by the American Agriculture Movement when hundreds of farmers in tractors came into capitol cities in almost every state and in Washington, DC.  In the late 1990's, farm broadcaster Gary Wergin proposed a 'Great Iowa Tractor Ride' that would traverse the state of Iowa.  The ride ended up not traveling across the entire state, but instead took 3 days for antique and tractor enthusiasts to see the Iowa countryside.
     Intrigued with the idea of doing a ride in Missouri, KFEQ Farm Director Tom Brand had a conversation with one of the riders of the Great Iowa Tractor ride participants in the summer of 2001 at his parent's farm while pictures were being taken of his dad and brothers tractors for the Classic Tractor Calendar.  Photographer Mike Hood told Tom, "If you do one of these, pick out a charity to benefit."  Tom began to ask other antique tractor owners if they would be interest in a similar event and after a few years of dreaming, a group of farmers and agribusiness people began to form plans for the Show-Me Tractor Cruise.  Planned in just 75 days, the first Show-Me Tractor Cruise was held in 2003

Q.  What's your history?  How has the ride grown?
A.  The first Show-Me Tractor Cruise began in 2003.  We decided to make the ride a benefit for Camp Quality of Northwest Missouri.  Our expectation was for 35 - 50 tractors to make the ride the first year, with the thought of raising $5000 as a good goal.  Well, the idea for that first ride grew rapidly, as 87 tractors came the first year to take part in the ride.  We started in the community of Guilford (population 87) and continued into Conception Junction, Ravenwood, Hopkins, Pickering, Maryville and Barnard before returning back to Guilford.  With the efforts of all the drivers, communities and the matching gift of an anonymous donor that first year, we raised $35,000 jointly for Camp Quality.  It was the largest fund-raiser ever for Camp Quality Northwest Missouri and for any Camp Quality in the nation!
     2004 was a great year of growth for the Show-Me Tractor Cruise, as 207 tractors joined in on the ride.  The 2004 route traveled from Maryville to Maitland, Graham, Quitman, Burlington Junction, Elmo, Hopkins and Pickering before returning to our starting point of Northwest Implement, the local John Deere dealer.  We fed over 800 people that night at our free-will donation barbecue.  Unfortunately, the anonymous donor was no longer available, but we still managed to raise over $45,000 that year.
     In 2005, we have over 400 drivers registered for this year's ride.  Our route has shortened from the 76 miles in 2003 and 82 miles we traveled in 2004, as we go from Derr Equipment, the Case-IH dealer in Savannah into St. Joseph for a tour of the Parkway (built in 1918) and historic downtown St. Joseph.

Q.  Why did you choose Camp Quality as the organization to benefit?
A.  We knew we wanted to do this ride as a benefit for a worthy cause...not as a chance for some business or entity to make a lot of money, but so that our efforts would go to a worthwhile cause.  Camp Quality seemed like a logical group for our drive to work for.  One of the committee member's daughters was diagnosed with an adult form of cancer on her 4th birthday (she's cancer-free now) and has been going to Camp Quality for several years.
     Camp Quality's motto summarizes our involvement best--"None of us can do anything about the quantity of life, but we can all help to improve the quality of life."  The Show-Me Tractor Cruise theme, "A Few Miles for Many Smiles" matches perfectly what each tractor driver does, raising money to help kids with cancer.  The idea of a tractor ride might appeal to a handful of people, but to be honest, I'm not sure if our ride would be as popular if it wasn't for the fact that it benefits Camp Quality.

Q.  How do you raise money for Camp Quality of Northwest Missouri?
A.  Each driver pays a $30 registration fee to participate in the drive.  For their registration, each driver is guaranteed a spot in the line-up, is given a t-shirt and 2 meal tickets for the barbecue at the end of the day.  The fee helps cover the costs of organizing the ride. We send out mailings to a list of over 900 tractor enthusiasts now, plus correspondence to drivers before and after each year's ride.  Postage, printing and paper costs add up...registration fees and the generous support of our Premier Sponsors help to offset our costs. Any of the remaining dollars are held held in reserve to offset the costs associated with making the DVDs, postage and printing needs for the next year's drive and any other miscellaneous costs. None of the organizing committee members, participants or others involved with the Show-Me Tractor Cruise have received or are receiving compensation for their part--they are all volunteers.
     Drivers are challenged to raise at least $100 in pledges and sponsors for the ride. Some drivers take the challenge lightly, while others are always trying their best.  In 2004, one of our drivers had broken his arm as the planting season began.  He devoted that time to collect donations for the ride and raised over $1700.  Another driver, who regularly calls on clients in the field, solicited donations while working his route, raising over $1000 each year...most of it $5 or $10 at a time.  ALL donations collected are given to Camp Quality of Northwest Missouri and remain in the control of Camp Quality Northwest Missouri.

Q.  What do you do if a tractor breaks down?
A.  Tractors that come on our ride are in sound shape when they come.  Some, however, will have a bad day on occasion.  If this happens, we have "sag wagons" and mechanics that will come and load the tractor or make a quick repair to keep each driver moving.  Spark plugs and fuel filters are the most common problems, along with the occasional empty tank of gas!  We encourage drivers to carry tow straps on their rigs so they can be pulled or help someone else if a breakdown should happen.

Q.  What if someone has a medical emergency?
A.  The first thing we do, of course, is to call emergency service.  In 2005, knowing we were working with so many people, we implemented a new program that has the driver's shared medical information on the back of their name badge.  This way, if something happens to someone that is unknown, we'll still be able to possibly pinpoint the problem.  We have been blessed that we haven't had any medical problems in the first 2 years we have done the ride.
     We're also fortunate to have the assistance of Sheriff's Departments, City Police, City Fire, Volunteer Fire Departments and the Missouri State Highway Patrol help us on our Cruise.  The work of these men and women on the front lines and behind the scenes helps the event run smoothly.  (Please thank these folks whenever you see them throughout the day.)

Q.  How do you keep on schedule?
A.  The power of 21st Century technology keeps us going!  Using a Global Position System (GPS) on the lead tractor, we're able to tell our current ground speed and average speed for the day.  We also use a computer program, Microsoft's MapPoint, to plot out the map and the times we cross certain intersections.  This system, along with a good group of guys that have accurate watches and air horns that can get your attention, keep things running smootly.

Q.  Who is on the organizing commitee for the Show-Me Tractor Cruise?
A.  Our group of volunteers include Rod Barr (Maryville), Joy Beattie (Barnard), Richard & Lois Brand (Hopkins), Tom & Beth Brand (St. Joseph), Rex & Alberta Malson (St. Joseph) and Donnie Miller (Easton). In addition to the organizing committee, we frequently call on Tractor Cruise participants for their thoughts on the ride and any specific questions that might come up.

Q.  How can I get involved in organizing the Show-Me Tractor Cruise?
A.  We rely on the efforts of other volunteers to help with tasks leading up to the drive and on the day of the Show-Me Tractor Cruise. If you'd like to be involved, we'd appreciate hearing from you. Over 150 volunteers were a part of the effort of making the 2005 Show-Me Tractor Cruise a success.

This is just a sampling of the questions we're asked about the Show-Me Tractor Cruise.  We'll add more Q&A at a later time...and post your questions and our answers here.  Just e-mail the webmaster with whatever is on your mind!