Dundy County man starting antique tractor club centered around youths

Older tractor enthusiasts may soon have a younger crowd with whom to share their machines and experiences.
Leroy Grams of rural Benkelman is working with area businesses to start an antique tractor and equipment club, centered around young people having fun.
“I’m interested in young people, not just future farmers but also kids interested in ag business and being ag leaders,” Grams said.
Grams will be holding an informational meeting Sunday  at 3 p.m. at the Imperial Lied Public Library.
He said anyone interested is invited, there is no age limit, but he hopes kids and their parents will take part.
“Parents will have time to come to the meeting and get home in time to check their irrigation wells,” Grams said.
One emphasis of the meeting will be deciding what constitutes antique or vintage equipment.
Grams started off talking to Imperial FFA Advisor Jason Speck and his chapter members. Eighteen Chase County students expressed interest in the club.
One Imperial FFA member told Grams it would be cool to round up an old plow and find a farmer with land for the kids to work with their tractors.
He plans to talk to Dundy County Stratton, Perkins County, Wauneta-Palisade and Holyoke, Colorado FFA chapters to see if they have anyone interested.
Time is running out on the summer, but Grams is hopeful a tractor drive can be arranged before school starts. Other club possibilities include driving in parades and visiting nursing homes.
Several area businesses have offered support for the club, including 21st Century Equipment, Adams Bank, Pinnacle Bank, Imperial Credit Union, Frenchman Valley Coop, Harchelroad Motors Ag, Reinke Irrigation, Colson Agency and Prairie States Communications.
Anyone interested in the club can call Grams at home, 308-882-5449, or on his cell phone, 308-882-5200.