Chapter 7 President's Report

Harvest is all but over for corn and soybeans in Indiana, as I write this update. From all I heard, it was a mixed bag of yields. Our corn yield was down some from recent years and our beans were down 10 bushels from average. It turned off dry in August and September, which really hurt the beans. We had no recorded rain in SW Indiana and in much of Indiana during October, except for on Halloween. That made for a speedy harvest, but a constant watch out for combine and field fires.

The excellent harvest weather allowed Chapter 7 members to attend a “Plow Day” and 4thquarter meeting at David Sottong’s farm in Tipton County on October 12th. We had a great turn out of members, and many brought their tractors and plows. Tipton County has some of the finest soil in the Midwest and it was great to see this rich, black dirt being turned over by our RED IH tractors and plows. 

David Sottong has a very nice collection of IH tractors and implements, including a cotton picker and multiple mounted corn pickers and picker/shellers. We all got to see him picking some corn which was brought back to a stationary Minneapolis Moline sheller which ran through with amazing ease.

We took a break for a delicious carry-in lunch and a short business meeting. Everyone there gave the Sottong family a big applause and heart felt thank you for inviting us to their farm and hosting this special event. One of our most important agenda items was the presentation of our 2024 scholarship winners. Randy Barrett our scholarship chairman, presented our two recipients, Caden Carpenter and Emma Clouser our two $1000 scholarships. Randy reminded our members that these scholarships are made possible from the sale of items from our Chapter 7 table. Thanks to all who work at that table during the year. A motion was passed to continue offering two $1000 dollar scholarships next year.

Other new business was the announcement of the 2025 Chapter 7 State IH Show that will be held in conjunction with the Hendricks County Tractor and Machinery Show. It will be in Danville Indiana at the 4-H Fairgrounds, on July 17th, 18th and 19th. The 2026 Chapter 7 State Show will be in conjunction with the Tri-State Gas Engine and Tractor Association Show in Portland Indiana, on August 20th, 21st and 22nd. The 2027 State Show will be near Brookville at the Franklin County Antique Machinery Show on the 24th, 25th and 26th of September. We also look forward to the 2025 Red Power Roundup in Sedalia, Missouri next June and the Half Century of Progress Show in August.

The meeting was adjourned with the notice that the first quarter meeting will be announced in the coming months. 

                                                                           Don Villwock

                                                                           Chapter 7 President