Pick up lines

The ordinary farm work horse is now a highly sought collectible

Their glory days may be past, but some old farm trucks have a way of becoming more than just a means to get from one field to another. They’re trusted partners that have earned their place on the farm — and in the heart.

When I was in Greeneville this past spring to interview dairy farmer Ben Seaton as the “Every Farmer Has A Story” subject for June Dairy Month, he drove up to the dairy barn in his vintage 1972 Ford pickup to welcome me, Page Haynes, and Greene Farmers Co-op Outside Salesman Jason Crawford.

Ben’s butterscotch pickup immediately got my attention. I began thinking that it would look great in some of the photos, the perfect prop to add a touch of authenticity to the story.

This one certainly hadn’t been babied, but it was well cared for, especially for its age. It didn’t have the typical dents and scrapes that come from a hard life on the farm. As Ben shared the story of how he obtained it, I listened intently. He shared how he acquired the truck from his great-uncle, 99-year-old Robert Seaton. Ben wasn’t sure if Robert had purchased it new, but if not, he said it was bought at least “not long after it was new.”

The old truck had held up surprisingly well. It wasn’t perfect. Its paint wasn’t spotless, and the hubcaps had a bit of surface rust, but they were original and hadn’t been replaced with shiny, oversized mag wheels. It was simply an honest truck with what car enthusiasts call “patina.” It was typical of many trucks that I have seen and ridden in on untold farms over the years.

It’s amazing to me that these types of vehicles are now among the hottest things going in the collector-vehicle world. It seems that their commonality and affordability have made them popular with kids and vehicle enthusiasts of all ages just looking to get into the classic car hobby.

Ben assures me he has put the old girl to work on the farm and has no intention of giving her special treatment. He and his daughters have been using it when he puts out mineral. And, while the classic Ford won’t be called on for long trips or to pull trailers, it will see normal use, he says. After all, it’s “just a truck.”

It makes me wonder if today’s futuristic Tesla Cybertruck will eventually be called on some 50-plus years down the road for similar duty.

Now, that would be something to see — but probably not nearly as colorful.

Story by Glen Liford,

Contact gliford@ourcoop.com