Every summer, the Threshermen’s Reunion and Stampede celebrates agricultural innovation. This year, one of the world’s most iconic brands – John Deere – is in the spotlight. Visitors can explore a sweeping array of machinery, from horse‑drawn implements of the late 1800s to today’s X9 combine at the Enns Brothers John Deere Exposition.
Historical roots through early tractors
Elliot Simms is the executive director of the Manitoba Agricultural Museum, which hosts the popular event each August. He says they’ll have equipment on display from the late 1800s to modern-day tractor series. “Folks can see some of the very first horse-drawn John Deere equipment to their first tractors such as the Waterloo Boy and the Model D,” says Simms. “Guests will see decades of engineering breakthroughs, and design evolution, illustrating how rural families shaped food production.”
Unique and noteworthy machinery
Over 100 machines will be present, including unique collector pieces – many driven in the parade or demonstrated in nearby fields. “Collectors come from across Manitoba with unique pieces of machinery,” Simms says, noting that horse‑powered ploughs, early combines, and iconic yellow‑green tractors are especially anticipated.
A beloved brand
Founded in 1837, John Deere has been synonymous with reliability and service for nearly 180 years. “For many farmers – or former farmers – these machines remind them of what they grew up operating. Seeing them running again is a great way to relive that history,” says Simms. The exhibit also aims to educate younger Manitobans and visitors on how agriculture shaped the province.
Collectors from all backgrounds
While antique‑equipment collectors were once mainly retirees, Simms revealed the hobby’s expanding appeal: “Now you have people from all walks of life who want to collect John Deere tractors and bring them to life for our visitors, and themselves, to enjoy.” Many examples come from across Manitoba, showcasing true community spirit.
Connection to heritage
Each year’s equipment focus helps situate machinery in a broader historical context. “It gives a chance for collectors from further away to bring their machines and have them highlighted,” Simms says. The John Deere showcase underpins the event’s theme of innovation and the farming legacy central to Manitoba’s history.
Looking toward the future
Backed by presenting sponsor Enns Brothers, this year’s exhibit includes new‑model tractors and combines. “People can look at and understand how tractor and combine technology has changed over the last 100 years and more,” Simms notes – a welcome reminder of innovation’s trajectory.
Inspiring the next generation
“As a museum, our responsibility is to help people understand the past, so they have a better understanding of where we are now and where we might go in the future,” Simms says. Watching early equipment in operation highlights the challenges of past food production, and underscores current efficiencies. “It helps everybody see how difficult it has been to raise food in the past, why it’s a lot simpler now, and how we can do even more in the future to help grow more food.”
This year’s Manitoba Threshermen’s Reunion and Stampede runs from July 24th to 27th.
To learn more about the event or purchase tickets, visit mbagmuseum.ca.
And to learn more about everything Enns Brothers has to offer, visit them online at ennsbrothers.com.