Tractor Farming at the Nevard Farm

After World War II ended there was a new air of optimism in farming. Tractor farming seemed like the way of the future and the Nevard's old McCormick Deering 15-30, previously only used for belt work, was put into field duty pulling a "tiller". Ernest and Bill Nevard had purchased a new Cockshutt tiller originally intending to pull it with horses. Bud Nevard, returning to the farm from the military wanted to farm with the tractor so here are a few excerpts from Bill's journal chronicling the ups and downs of early tractor farming.

July 11: Bud started off for Lipton with the tractor this morning but he only got as far as Bill Miller's, having considerable difficulty with it and returned home. John Fleming went to Lipton with his tractor in the evening, Bud going with him, and they brought the tiller home.

July 12: Dad and helped Bud get started with the tiller. He started on the basement 15 acres but didn't do much before dinner as the engine didn't go good and they had to do something to the magneto. After dinner I helped him get the lands all set out and he got on better. Dad helped him get the tiller adjusted and after supper Bud worked until almost dark.

July 13: Bud tillering today. He would probably have finished but hit a stone and broke a spool on the tiller.

July 14: Bud went to Keliher with Bartons this evening and got spools for the tiller. Bartons went to see a movie and Carol went too.

July 15: Bud put the new spool on the tiller. Dad and I went to Goffs in the afternoon in the democrat. Sandy is working for Van Luvens.

July 24: Bud tillering today but in the afternoon the tractor went on the blink so he got me to haul it up to the yard using my four horses so he could take it to pieces. Some of the bearings were gone. Bud and Carol down at our place tonight.

 A photo of a McCormick Deering 15-30 tractor like the Nevard's.
(This one is mine)

69 Years Ago On The Nevard Farm

 At the time Bill Nevard wrote this letter to his brother, Dick Nevard was stationed at Nanaimo, B.C. with the 116th Field Regiment of the 25th Field Regiment of the Canadian Army.
                                                                       Headlands, Sask.
                                                                        Nov. 21, 1943
   

Dear Dick

It is now time to commence my usual Sunday night epistle to you. I have only 3 days news at present as I finished my last letter to you Thursday night and posted it Friday.

I beat the alarm on Friday morning and got up at 4:35 a.m. in spite of which is was 9:00 by the time I started off to Lipton with a load of wheat. It took me over 4 hours to get to town owing to the rough roads. It has been thawing a bit in the daytime and freezing at night so it is either rough or slippery most of the way but I got down without mishap. Fred Engel overtook me on the way and told me that Mrs. Hobetzeder had died the day before and in town I heard that she would probablyl be buried on the Saturday.

Jack Binnington and Johnny Supple rode to town with John Fleming. He charges fifty cents a piece for passengers now when driving the mail. When I got home I found that Hobetzeder had been here in my absence wanting Dad and Uncles to go as pall bearers. John Senft was also around looking for his calves. We have calves of John Senft, Fred Engel and Wm. Miller all on our summerfallow besides 3 of Uncle H's horses and two of Uncle A's with ours.

On Saturday, November 20 Donald came down with the mail. Besides your letter to Dad there was one from Aunt Louie which I guess I will have to answer in a little while.

Dad and both uncles went to the funeral at Lipton in the democrat. Dad, Uncle H, Messrs Fisher, Michelson, Radwell and McCullough were the bearers.

I cut 1/3 of a load of wood that day and did various chores. I am finishing this letter on Monday night before going to bed as I figure on going to Lipton again tomorrow and posting it so you will not need to be alarmed if you get two letters close together. You know it is not always possible to post letters at regular intervals and if the weather were to change suddenly a snowfall might keep us away from town for quite a while.

Sunday was quiet and uneventful. I cut some holes in the ice of the slough down near the grade so that the stock could get a drink as the ice was getting quite thick, about 5 or 6 inches.

This morning I got up early and after getting ready and loading up started out for Lipton. It was a nice bright day and thawed quite a bit but cool enough in the wind. Uncle A took a load too and caught up to me before I got to town. Jack Binnington and Murphy Newton were in ahead of us with loads. Jack had a three year old mare with him who had never been to town before.

I saw Mr. Brinkworth in town today and ordered a Cockshutt tiller (4 1/2 feet). It will cost $296 cash and is ordered for February delivery. It can be handled by six horses and has a power lift. Of course I am not sure that the company can fill the order but Mr. Brinkworth thought my chances would be better if I ordered early. I have put your money in the bank for safe keeping until it is needed. Dad bought a heater at Jampolsky's on Saturday and I brought it home today. Dad had sent to Eatons for one previously but they could not supply it and sent back the money.

Well its time to go to bed and I can't think of anything more of interest. Will probably send another letter next week. Cheerio

from your loving brother E.W. Nevard