Collin Jones, a senior at Jacksonville High School, has restored a 1952 Farmall tractor. Jones purchased the tractor from a former state FFA president who also told him about a contest sponsored by Delo Tractors. Anyone can vote for Jones and his tractor at www.delotrcvoting.com. Individuals can vote three times a day until October. Currently, Jones is leading in votes and is one of the final 36 contestants. The Top 12 vote getters will advance in the contest, appearing in a calendar as well as continuing the competition in Louisville, KY, at the National FFA Convention. While in Louisville, the Top 12 will be interviewed by a panel of judges and share a presentation about the restoration process. The top three finishers win scholarships from $3,000 to $10,000.
Jones stated that although the tractor was running when he bought it, he spent over eight months rebuilding it to “better than new condition.” With the help of local businesses, family, and friends, Jones has put new life into a 60-year-old tractor, which he can exhibit and show in the community.
Jones has been a member of the JHS FFA chapter for four years. He was inspired to restore the tractor by his dad who grew up farming with tractors like this one.
Jones plans to attend Ohio Technical Institute in Cleveland after graduation where he will study diesel hydraulics.