Young Farmers & Ranchers celebrate 30th year of Antique Tractor Pull in Harrington

HARRINGTON — The Delaware State Fair will host the 30th anniversary of the Delaware Young Farmers & Ranchers’ Antique Tractor Pull on July 27.

Held in the Quillen Arena, day-of registration opens at 7 a.m., the drivers’ meeting is at 8:30, and the first hook will be at 9.

The Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee hosts the annual contest to raise funds for scholarships and other activities. In 2023, the event brought out more than 40 farmers and tractors, with over $10,000 in funds raised.

Tractor pull participants should register ahead of time to ensure a spot in the competition. Tractors are weighed on the day of the event and put in classes based on weight and speed. Attendees then take turns pulling a sled, and a weight chosen by class, with their tractors.

The day also will include a bonus moment for the group, as members will showcase prior scholarship winners.

“We need the youth of Delaware to become agriculturists, whether it’s as a farmer, seed salesman, agronomist, … we need those people in our field,” said statewide Young Farmers & Ranchers chair Mollie Lynch. “We need new ideas. So, to be able to promote young people and education is very important to the YF&R. Our hope is that they get an education in agriculture and come back to support Delaware through agriculture.”

In honor of the 30th anniversary, this year’s T-shirt design is a throwback to the original. These shirts will be available for sale, but quantities are limited.

For information or to register for the tractor pull, visit defb.org or call the state office at 302-697-3183.