AGRICULTURAL BOOKS

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"American Farm Tractors of the 1960s"

by Chester Peterson Jr. and Rod Beemer

$29.95 (Shipping and handling free!)
Hardbound, 160 pages, 150 color and 50 B&W images

Forget about hippies and plow under flower power with this 300-horsepower all-wheel-drive look at the farm tractors of the 1960s. Tune into this account of how the tractor was transformed from a mild-mannered replacement for the draft horse into a high-powered, self-contained work center.

Each manufacturer’s response to the challenges of the era is explored in depth with thoroughly researched text covering the hallmark machines built by Deere & Company, International, Ford, Allis-Chalmers, Massey-Ferguson, Oliver, Minneapolis-Moline, and even Big Bud, Versatile, and Wagner.

Enjoy the archival photographs and the gorgeous color images of the 142 tractors that were lovingly photographed.

So, spin up the turbo, lock into all-wheel-drive, and shift into high gear to take a high-horsepower tour of these increasingly collectible tractors of the 1960s.

This the first book to zero in exclusively on the great N-Series Ford-Ferguson and Ford tractors that revolutionized the tractor industry when they were introduced in 1939. The three-point hitch you see on every tractor in the world today originated with this tractor.

Here’s the entire story behind the most popular farm implement system, the one that truly revolutionized agriculture via the ingenious Ferguson three-point hitch. Immaculately restored tractors are shown in exquisite detail, with text, charts, and listings that cover the mechanical features. This is invaluable information for collectors, restorers, historians, and those who just flat love this venerable and useful tractor.

The John Deere New Generation tractor wasn't evolutionary—it was revolutionary in almost every aspect.

Here’s the detailed history of the these tractors that took the industry by surprise and that helped catapult Deere & Company to the No. 1 spot it still holds.

The many beautiful color photographs illustrate the first 3010, 4010, 7020, and 8010/8020 ever to roll off the assembly line.

You'll read about the developmental secrecy that rivaled the Manhattan Project, how John Deere developed the first really safe roll-over protection, the quietest tractor cab in history, how President John F. Kennedy’s personal doctor was intimately involved in developing the most comfortable tractor seat yet.

"Inside John Deere: A Factory History"

This exclusive history explores how "Big Green" has grown from its early days of forging plows to the modern era of computer-aided design and assembly. It literally takes you inside the major factories that produce John Deere tractors, combines, and implements.

"Minneapolis-Moline Farm Tractors"

This book is the foremost historical reference on these magnificent tractors and the company that produced them. A clear lineage is established of the evolution of the Minneapolis-Moline organization from the early pre-M-M days up through 1972 when the last tractors carrying the M-M logo rolled out of the White Motor Corporation factory. M-M "Prairie Gold" powerhouses dominated the agricultural market for more than 40 years.

"Vintage Allis-Chalmers Tractors"

This book is, "The ultimate tribute to Allis-Chalmers tractors." It's as rich in Allis-Chalmers' history as the orange paint that graced these farm tractors for nearly six decades. From its beginnings in the farm equipment business in 1914 to its rise as the third largest tractor producer in sales in 1936 and then for years later A-C was known for its innovations in design, sales, and distribution.

The book provides a detailed background of the Allis-Chalmers legacy. It covers all models from 1914 on, including the Monarch and Advance-Rumely models. Also discussed are A-C's various acquisitions and mergers, including its current ownership by AGCO.

"Hitch Up A Computer for Your Farm"

The nuts and bolts guide to getting the most use and value from your most important "implement"—your computer.

Here’s an overview of computers in agricultural applications. This book discusses in detail the different types of computers and peripherals, teaches you how to determine what you need, explains what to look for when buying both hardware and software, states precautions, explores telecommunications and the Internet, provides ergonomics basics, and contains a multitude of everyday usage tips.

Beginning with an examination of whether you're "computable", this book quickly moves on to explain how you can set up your own advanced computer operation quite inexpensively. Two options are covered in detail: How to "soup up" an older computer and when it’s best to buy a pre-owned computer.

This book also closely studies important kinds of software: Agricultural accounting, word processing, database, spreadsheets, and graphing programs. Special weather services are also featured in the book. And, there’s even a chapter containing computer tips from farmers across the country based on their actual experience, including how they successfully modified existing software programs. A complete glossary of computing terms is also included.

"Developing An Effective Management Team"

Here’s everything you need to know to determine if you need an agricultural consultant, which kind of consultant, and how to locate and work most effectively with one.

There’s never been a time in modern agriculture before when it’s been so increasingly difficult to show some "black ink" at the end of the year. And, agricultural technology has also been expanding so rapidly that no single farmer has the time to learn the intricacies of all the new research and/or products, much less effectively implement them.

This is where the role of the agricultural consultant becomes so valuable. His job is to keep pace with the latest developments in his field, to see and talk with many farmers and know what works in your area and what doesn't. An agricultural consultant generally undergoes recurrent professional training, and has a wealth of resources on which he can call for further information.

In fact, many of the most successful farmers today hire a number of consultants to provide the expertise they need—and he in essence serves as the chairman of a board of knowledgeable directors whose objective is to make the farming operation as profitable as possible.

Almost two dozen different types of consultants are discussed, each with its own chapter that includes what both you and your consultant can do to establish a good, effective working relations. Also included are sample contracts, and extensive, detailed lists of who you can contact.