MOLINE, Illinois -
Deere & Company is cancelling its antique tractor and memorabilia auctions planned for June. The setback comes at a time when festival season is just kicking off in the Quad Cities.
Third generation Scott County farmer Dean Stoltenberg is a Deere man. On Friday, cleaning up his restored vintage 1958 tractor. But he won't be taking it to the annual auction in Moline this year.
"Deere management seems to think they're the company of the future any more," he said. "I guess us old guys aren't quite as important as we used to be."
The auction was a chance for collectors and spectators to get together. Some came to buy or sell, but a lot just soaked up the unique atmosphere.
"They're tightening their belts just like everybody else is," Stoltenberg said. "This is one thing that probably wasn't making them any money."
In a statement released Friday by Deere & Company, the ag giant blames the overall impact of economic conditions for cancelling the events. Th e pavilion and historic site will remain open.
According to Al Higley, manager of John Deere Branded Properties, "his team is hopeful that John Deere enthusiasts and guests will again be able to experience the fun and excitement" in 2010.
The tractor parade will stay off Moline streets this season. Collectors will have to find something else to do.
"They're still building green and yellow tractors like they did almost a hundred years ago," Stoltenberg said. "I think it's kind of sad."
Third generation Scott County farmer Dean Stoltenberg is a Deere man. On Friday, cleaning up his restored vintage 1958 tractor. But he won't be taking it to the annual auction in Moline this year.
"Deere management seems to think they're the company of the future any more," he said. "I guess us old guys aren't quite as important as we used to be."
The auction was a chance for collectors and spectators to get together. Some came to buy or sell, but a lot just soaked up the unique atmosphere.
"They're tightening their belts just like everybody else is," Stoltenberg said. "This is one thing that probably wasn't making them any money."
In a statement released Friday by Deere & Company, the ag giant blames the overall impact of economic conditions for cancelling the events. Th e pavilion and historic site will remain open.
According to Al Higley, manager of John Deere Branded Properties, "his team is hopeful that John Deere enthusiasts and guests will again be able to experience the fun and excitement" in 2010.
The tractor parade will stay off Moline streets this season. Collectors will have to find something else to do.
"They're still building green and yellow tractors like they did almost a hundred years ago," Stoltenberg said. "I think it's kind of sad."
