The spirit of agricultural heritage recently converged in Kenesaw, Nebraska, as a vibrant tractor drive unfolded to honor the profound legacy of local leader William “Bill” Ground. Under the embrace of a cloudy sky and comfortable midsummer temperatures, tractor enthusiasts, young and seasoned alike, gathered for this poignant community event, celebrating the region’s deep farming roots while paying tribute to a cherished figure. This annual gathering underscores the enduring connection between Nebraskans and their rich agricultural past.
Promptly at 2 p.m. on a recent Friday, approximately 28 vintage tractors, a testament to enduring mechanical prowess, rumbled from the horse arena grounds on the southwestern edge of Kenesaw. The procession embarked on a journey through the heart of the town, moving east to Smith Avenue, then north along the main street to 42nd Street. Following this, the tractor drive continued east to Wanda Avenue before heading south towards Holstein, eventually returning to Kenesaw via an alternate route after a brief interlude, as coordinated by Wyatt Woodman, a dedicated board member of Wasenek Weekend.
This year’s tractor drive held particular significance as it served as a heartfelt memorial to William “Bill” Ground, a revered Prosser area farmer. Ground was not only a prominent figure in Nebraska farming but also a widely recognized vintage tractor collector, meticulous restorer, and formidable puller. His untimely passing on November 22, 2024, at the age of 73, due to a tractor accident, left a void in the agricultural community he so passionately served.
Ground’s dedication to agricultural heritage was evident through his leadership roles in esteemed organizations such as the Platte Valley Antique Machinery Association, Nebraska Bush Pullers, and the All-Nebraska Tractor Drive. He cultivated an impressive personal collection of roughly 35 Allis-Chalmers tractors, acquired over many decades. His meticulous restoration workmanship earned him widespread admiration and a sterling reputation among fellow enthusiasts of vintage tractors.
The profound impact of Bill Ground’s life extended beyond his immediate circle. Russ Barth of Doniphan, a longtime friend and fellow Allis-Chalmers collector, shared fond memories of assisting Ground in numerous tractor pulls. The recent online auction of Ground’s estate, which included his extensive collection of Allis-Chalmers and other tractors, along with countless parts and farm implements, garnered significant attention. Barth and other attendees noted the fervor surrounding the auction, with some lots fetching five-figure bids, described by young farmer Sam Schukei as “like the Super Bowl” for Allis-Chalmers fans.
Ground’s influence resonated particularly with younger generations. Mitch Kimle, another young participant in the tractor drive, echoed Schukei’s sentiments, emphasizing that Ground was not merely adept with agricultural machinery but was also a genuinely good man. He actively encouraged younger individuals in the community, treating them with respect and including them in adult conversations, thereby fostering a sense of belonging and mentorship within the Nebraska farming community.
The Wasenek Weekend tractor drive continues to grow, attracting around 28 tractors this year, an increase from 21 in its inaugural 2024 event. This growth signals a strong future for the community event, with plans already set for the 2026 drive to head towards Prosser. The Wasenek Weekend organizing committee, known for its youthful energy, consistently strives to offer a diverse range of activities that appeal to all ages, further solidifying its place as a cherished annual tradition in Nebraska.
The diverse collection of vintage tractors participating in the drive showcased the rich history of agricultural machinery, with brands like Allis-Chalmers, Ford, John Deere, Farmall/International Harvester, Case/Case IH, Massey-Ferguson, and Minneapolis-Moline proudly represented. Spectators, including residents from the Accura Health Care nursing home, lined Kenesaw’s main street, enthusiastically watching the colorful array of rumbling machines pass by, a true celebration of agricultural heritage and community spirit.
