The Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee of the Delaware Farm Bureau announced its 29th annual antique tractor pull will be held Saturday, July 29, at the Delaware State Fair. Registration and check-in for the event begins at 7 a.m. with a drivers’ meeting at 8:30 a.m., and the first hook set for 9 a.m. 

This event takes place in the Quillen Arena at the Harrington fairgrounds; it brings tractor enthusiasts together from several states away to enjoy the camaraderie and, of course, competition.

“This is one of our larger events every year. I had never experienced a tractor pull event before I came to the Delaware Farm Bureau, but now it’s something I look forward to every summer, and it’s fun to watch the participants take such pride in their antique tractors,” said Kali Voshell, young farmers and ranchers coordinator 

To preregister, go to defb.org. The cost is $20 per hook for all classes. T-shirts will be available for purchase on event day for $25 each or $15 for youth sizes.

The antique tractor pull also serves as a fundraiser to support committee activities like convention attendance and scholarships for Delaware students, with recipients announced every year during the contest.

Last year, the YF&R offered $2,000 in scholarship funds to deserving students headed into agricultural-related college studies. The committee also sent members to a national YF&R convention in Florida, allowing them the opportunity to network with fellow farmers and professionals from all over the country while learning new skills.

Nonperishable food items will also be collected during this event for donation to the Food Bank of Delaware.

“Young Farmers & Ranchers is an incredible group of people ages 18-40. They are dedicated to not just agriculture, but the community of consumers and professionals at large. Throughout the year, we get together to have fun, learn and support our community through scholarships, food drives and other efforts,” Voshell said.

For more information, email kali.voshell@defb.org or call the DEFB state office at 302-697-3183.