Half Century of Progress Show

03/10/2026

Have a favorite memory from last summer’s Half Century of Progress that you cherish, whether it’s about the equipment, the field operations or the people?

01/24/2026

The dates are set. Put them in your device or put a note on your desk: August 26 to August 29, 2027.

Our show has its roots in the corn husking contests of a century ago.

01/17/2026

If you would like a Half Century of Progress show book, they are available from Octane Press or in Champaign County you can purchase one at the Gifford State Bank in Gifford, IL.

https://octanepress.com/product-category/half-century-progress-tractor-show-dvd-and-books

12/04/2025

The Half Century 2025 Show Books are in stock. We're celebrating with this clip of Max Armstrong talking about the history of the Farm Progress Show!

Order yours today! https://octanepress.com/book/2025-half-century-progress-collectors-edition

11/23/2025

The 2025 Half Century Collectors Edition Showbook is now available from Octane Press. You will find the book and many other excellent gift ideas at www.octanepress.com.

Highly recommended by Max Armstrong’s Tractor Stuff.

11/23/2025

We have the Half Century of Progress Show 2025 show book available for pre-order! Get yours today they ship in a few weeks. While you wait, enjoy this video about the Earthquake, a 750-horsepower beast of a tractor!

Order your copy of the Half Century Show book at https://octanepress.com/book/2025-half-century-progress-collectors-edition

08/24/2025

What a tremendous Caterpillar display at the 2025 Half Century of Progress, with close to 120 pieces to see.

08/22/2025

Two wonderful days…and we’re not done yet!

08/11/2025

It’s been 717 days since the last Half Century of Progress. It’s just 10 days until the next one!

08/08/2025

Don’t forget the daily parades down the newly resurfaced north-south runway, Runway 18. The parades start at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the 22nd, 23rd and 24th.

There’s also a parade on Thursday, August 21st, with the time slightly variable, but it should be close to the noon hour, as it will be comprised of tractors returning from the ride.

The starting point Friday thru Sunday will be near the huge American Flag. Russell Buhr and Max Armstrong will be the parade announcers.

08/07/2025

Number 1’s!

Look for this bunch at the show!

🚜 We’re Number 1 - Literally! 🥇

We’re thrilled to announce that serial #1 tractors are being welcomed into our special display at the 2025 Half Century of Progress Show! These rare machines represent the very first of their kind, and we’re proud to help showcase them for the tractor-loving public.

To celebrate, we’re handing out custom foam #1 fingers to each owner of a serial #1 tractor - because being first deserves to be recognized in a big way! ☝️

If you’re bringing a serial #1 tractor to the show, stop by our display and let us celebrate your piece of history.

📍 See you at the Half Century of Progress Show, August 21-24!



Owner of the 1st and last D21: Darryl Krause