Minnesota was a powerhouse of agricultural innovation in the early 20th century, home to over 100 tractor manufacturers and dozens of gas engine makers. These companies produced rugged, reliable machines that played a vital role in Midwest farming, leaving a lasting impact on agricultural history.

Prominent names like Minneapolis-Moline and Twin City Tractors led the way, producing iconic large prairie tractors and then later numerous models in the iconic Prairie Gold color. In addition to these giants, countless smaller firms contributed to the state’s reputation as a leader in agricultural machinery, though the majority operated only briefly.

Gas engine production flourished alongside tractors, with companies crafting versatile engines to power water pumps, mills, and other essential farm equipment.

Our hope in 2025 is to get a wide representation of these well-known and especially lesser known tractors and engines from Minnesota.