REMARKABLE COLLECTION . . . part of the fleet of Massey Ferguson tractors at Annan from various eras
The coach party, comprising readers of Kansas-based Farm Collector Magazine, were on a ten-day specialist tour of the United Kingdom.
They expressed delight as they viewed the collection of more than 50 vintage tractors built-up by Stuart Barbour at Rosefield Farm.
He caught the bug as a child and began his collection after completing the restoration of his grandfather’s Massey Ferguson 35 when he was only 14.
Stuart, of JBA Seed Potatoes, an online and traditional enterprise, is particularly proud of one of his latest acquisitions, a grey Ferguson Brown Type-A, which dates from 1937 and was used locally for many years.
It is equipped with a Ferguson-Brown two-furrow plough.
Stuart shared his extensive knowledge of the various models on display, some of which are in regular use as working tractors in the long-established family-run horticultural business, while others appear at specialist vintage events and rallies.
There is increasing interest in Massey Fergusons just now as this year marks the 70th anniversary of the start of production of its famous Ferguson TE20 tractor — better known as the ‘Little Grey Fergie.’
Farm Collector Magazine editor Leslie McManus explained that there was an equally passionate interest among enthusiasts for vintage machinery and other aspects of rural heritage in the US as there was in the UK.
She thanked Stuart, Lisa and the rest of the Barbour family for their hospitality at Annan.
Leslie added: “It was a fantastic opportunity to see such a large collection of Massey Fergusons — all together in one place.”
