In North America, tractors carried the “Ferguson” badge only from 1948 until 1960. As a result, production numbers for Ferguson tractors are much smaller than those of many other brands although Ferguson’s development of the 3 point hitch, continues to be the standard among many other tractor today. While still supportive of the Massey-Harris and Massey Ferguson kin, there are times when Ferguson owners know their interests take a back seat or simply get lost in other tractor interest groups where Ferguson is thrown in together with “the red cousins”.
To provide more mutual support, several years ago a small group of dedicated Ferguson buffs agreed to pick a tractor show in the Midwest and bring their tractors and implements. They did this for three or four years, each time adding a few more enthusiasts to the group.
In 2001 the group, meeting at the Camp Creek Threshers Show in Waverly, Nebraska, had grown to 21 individuals. There, they decided it was time to get organized and agreed to name four from their ranks to serve as the Steering Committee. They included Clarence Carhill of Mena, AR; Gene Kruse of Lincoln, NE; David Lory of Platteville, WI; and Jim W. Storment of Mt. Vernon, IL. Paul Nelson, now of Chino Valley, AZ volunteered to write a newsletter for the group. To support the newsletter, those present agreed to each kick in $10. Such were the humble beginnings of what came to be known as Ferguson Enthusiasts of North America (FENA).
Today FENA has almost 900 members in 48 states, seven provinces of Canada, as well as England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Germany, Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway and Australia.
Paul Nelson retired as Editor in 2008 and Judy Kitson replaced him as Editor. She also handles coordinating Ferguson shows and memorabilia sales.
It is highly unlikely that any of the original 21 would, in their wildest dreams, have believed that FENA would grow so large, so quickly. FENA is obviously filling a need that has existed for many years.
One of FENA’s goals is to help the Ferguson heritage survive and thrive. It aims to serve not only those who grew up on farms as kids in the 1950s when the Ferguson name first became well-known and famous, but to reach out to younger enthusiasts, many of whom do not have farm backgrounds, but have developed an affection for all things Ferguson. It is with this in mind that they have coordinated with Fantasi-Fabrikken AS of Norway to produce in English their Little Grey Tractor children’s books and toys and other items.
Whether young or young at heart, a farmer or one who just appreciates that aspect of our heritage, the enthusiasm for Ferguson tractors continues to grow.