Rise Of The Machines

Tractors And The End of Rural America

We've all known people who only buy Hondas, others who swear by their Volvos, and those who proclaim their undying loyalty to Chevys or Fords. But for farmers, brand allegiance to a particular make of tractor is in their blood, which generally flows John Deere green or Farmall red.

Author and photographer Lee Klancher's new book on International Harvester tractors is a thoughtful rumination on a company whose roots can be traced to Cyrus McCormick (who may or may not have 'invented' the first mechanical reaper), as well as the impact of tractors on rural America.