Former dealership owner enjoys competing in tractor pulls

CHRISMAN, Ill. — John Craig has worked with Massey Ferguson equipment for more than five decades.

“I started at Chrisman Farm Center when I was 21 years old in 1961,” John Craig said. “The dealership came up for sale in about 1964, so I mortgaged my house and bought it.”

Craig owned and operated the Massey Ferguson dealership until 2018.

“I was lucky to find buyers who were my customers and they kept the same name,” he said.

Owning the farm equipment dealership was a good business for Craig.

“I liked knowing my customers and what I had for sale, it was a good life for me and I’d live it over if I could,” he said. “Being around people has been the best part of my life. My best friends were my customers.”

Over the years, Craig said, he went through lots of situations — both good and bad — at the dealership.

“In 1985, I think we sold one new tractor because that’s how tough farming was in the ’80s,” he said. “It took sacrifices to make it though those years.”

Craig’s involvement with Massey Ferguson tractors continues at local tractor pulls.

“I have a bad habit. I have an 1150 Massey Ferguson that I pull,” he said. “I go to about eight pulls a year.”

The tractor puller competes in the Hot Farm class.

“The tractors in this class have to look like they are supposed to and have the right motor in them,” Craig said. “It’s a fun hobby. You don’t do it for the money.”

Craig plans to attend the Historic Farm Days in Penfield since the show is featuring Massey Ferguson tractors and equipment. In addition, Craig restored the 1972 1150 Massey Ferguson tractor that will be raffled during the July 8-11 show that is hosted by the I&I Tractor and Gas Engine Club.

“They wanted me to sell my tractor to raffle it off, but I thought I was too young to quit pulling my tractor,” Craig said. “So, I said I’d find an 1150 tractor, fix it up and that’s what I did.”

The 1150 Massey Ferguson has become a popular tractor for collectors.

“It was the world’s first V8 row crop tractor and it was only made for two years, so there are hardly any of them around to collect,” Craig said. “It’s a hobby of mine to find them and fix them up.”

After restoration, Craig said, the raffle tractor looks brand new.

“It’s a beautiful tractor now, but it was junk when I bought it,” he said. “I’ve got tickets on it, so I’d like to win it back.”

The winning ticket for the tractor will be drawn during the show on Sunday, July 11. Each year, the I&I Club sells 300 tickets for the tractor and the popularity of the 1150 Massey Ferguson is obvious since tickets for the tractor are sold out.

“They sold the tickets in two weeks,” Craig said. “People from 22 states, Canada and the Netherlands sent them money for tickets — it’s that popular of a tractor.”

For more information about the Historic Farm Days, go to www.historicfarmdays.com, or call 217-595-5000.