The 32nd Annual International Harvester Collectors Club Winter Convention was hosted by Kansas – Chapter #3 in Salina, KS at the Hilton Garden Inn on February 8-10, 2024. The convention is hosted by a different Chapter each year. The last Winter Convention held in Kansas was back in 2007 at Topeka. Chapter 3 members were pleased to welcome members from many areas across the USA as well as some Canadian friends from as far as Nova Scotia! The show theme was “Farmall – Century of Progress” in honor of the 100th anniversary of the Farmall tractor. Other Chapters present included Missouri – Chapter 1, Iowa – Chapter 5, Michigan – Chapter 11, Nebraska – Chapter 12, South Dakota – Chapter 21, Texas – Chapter 25, Southern Illinois – Chapter 32 and Northern Indiana – Chapter 33. Many Chapters had merchandise items to sell promoting IH and their respective chapters. Several vendors were present as well including Herrs Hydrostatics, Lee J. Sackett Inc for tractor restorations, Air-Med, Dry Walker Boots and Pink Zebra Candles.
Although the Winter Convention is not a tractor show, several members had a nice display of IH tractors representing most of the seven generations of Farmalls in the Hilton Garden Inn parking lot. The tractors attracted much attention from local commuters driving by on their way to and from work over the three days. Many stopped by to find out what was going on and to check out the show.
Various activities were scheduled for each day including local factory tours of Great Plains/Land Pride Manufacturing, where participants were able to see new Great Plains and Land Pride equipment being built and the new Kubota plant where Skid-Steer Loaders are manufactured, starting from flat plates of steel being cut, formed, and welded through to the finished product being driven off the assembly line. A tour of “The Garage” car museum was also conducted on Saturday which is a must see if you are in the Salina area. Activities for the ladies included a fun candle making class and Antique Mall shopping.
We had five (5) interesting speakers for the Harvester Heritage program who held seminars over the course of the first two day on various IHC related products & topics including one speaker’s experiences growing up in a family owned IH dealership and then after college a view into his life as an IH corporate employee! Another topic of much interest was a great demonstration of decal installation methods on restored equipment. There were many activities for all!
A Friday evening auction was held and well attended with many donations and consignments of IH Parts, Books, Memorabilia, Posters, Parts & Service Manuals, toolboxes, and more. Several rare items included sign that was mounted to the back end of a Gold Demonstrator Plow and a Weber Wagon Front Running Gear Salesmen Sample. Bidding was very spirited and active for almost 3 hours when the last item was hammered sold!
The National Board meeting was held Saturday morning which members could observe and listen in on. Saturday afternoon was more relaxed with time for outside activities and then we enjoyed a social hour before the banquet.
National Treasurer, Doug Hrbek kept everyone entertained as our Master of Ceremonies (MC) for the Saturday evening banquet wearing several of his many hats. Several Chapters made presentations to the National Trust to further thei Trust’s efforts. Our keynote speaker for the evening was Mr. Don Landoll, Founder and CEO of Landoll Manufacturing in Marysville, KS. His story of success is absolutely amazing!
Two raffle drawings were held, one for a 50/50 split-the-pot and the second for the personally autographed Max Armstrong Super H Pedal Tractor and Mrs. Jean Fink of Ozawkie, KS was the winner. MC Hrbek auctioned off a Limited Edition Farmall Century book donated by Octane Press and several commemorative wooden table/wall hanger decorations commissioned by Chapter 3 especially for the convention. Numerous door prizes donated by Steiner and KanEquip were given to attendees whose tickets were drawn.
On behalf of Chapter 3, many thanks to our Vendors, Sponsors, Chapters, the Hilton Garden Inn Salina staff, and to everyone who participated in the convention. Your support and positive feedback are so greatly appreciated. Lastly, a big “THANK YOU” to the Chapter 3 Winter Convention planning committee members for all their time and efforts to make the convention a success.
Ron Schmitt, President
Kansas – Chapter 3
