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 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!