Pictured: Steve learning to operate 'Sambos' 1949 Field Marshall Tractor at Glenora Downs, QLD.
This tractor was built nearly 70 years ago and is still ready and able for a good hard days work!! Somehow in this modern age we have lost the art of building things to last. The old Field Marshall was Ian Sampson’s first tractor when he started farming near Wudinna SA back in the early 50’s. When the family moved to the rich black soil plains of central Queensland the old tractor came too. These days…. the new machinery is much bigger and requires a lot more maintenance than the old bull dog Field Marshal. What it took ‘Sambo’ a week to accomplish on his faithful old green tractor can now be done in a day. But despite the greater productivity this old workhorse is still his favourite.
I admire the ‘never say die’ determination of Aussie Farmers who these days have to compete on a global market. You don’t meet too many farmers looking for welfare handouts, even in the droughts they never stop working… just like the old Field Marshall tractor. Support Australian farmers and buy Australian grown produce.
