Two beautifully restored vintage tractors donated by members of the North Easthope Antique Tractor Club (NEAT) became one of the standout attractions at the 2026 Mennonite Relief Sale in New Hamburg, Ontario, helping generate additional funding for humanitarian projects supported by the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC).
Held under favorable weather conditions, the annual event attracted thousands of visitors from across Ontario, including a significant number of attendees from the Greater Toronto Area. While handcrafted quilts, baked goods, and traditional Mennonite foods remained major crowd favorites, the antique tractor auction once again proved to be one of the event’s most anticipated highlights.
Restored Tractors Draw Strong Bidding
NEAT members donated two fully restored row crop tractors as part of the organization’s long running fundraising partnership with MCC.
The first tractor, a 1958 Ford 960, was purchased by Bruce and Barb Schumm of Baden. Produced between 1954 and 1957, the Ford 960 was one of the most capable tractors in Ford’s 900 Series lineup. Equipped with a 2.8 liter four cylinder gasoline engine, live PTO, and a five speed transmission, the model delivered approximately 40 horsepower and was designed for row crop operations across North America.
The second tractor, a 1958 Allis Chalmers D15, sold for $5,250 to Alvin Wagler of Topping. Introduced as the successor to the popular D14, the D15 offered increased performance through its 2.4 liter gasoline engine and eight speed transmission. With approximately 40 PTO horsepower and the innovative Snap Coupler hitch system, the D15 became one of Allis Chalmers’ most successful utility and row crop tractors of the 1960s.
More Than A Tractor Auction
All proceeds from the tractor sales were donated directly to the Mennonite Relief Sale committee, with funds supporting MCC relief, development, and humanitarian programs around the world.
An interesting aspect of the program is that tractor donors receive a charitable tax receipt based on the appraised value of the machine before restoration work begins. This creates an incentive for enthusiasts to preserve historic equipment while simultaneously supporting charitable causes.
NEAT Club Surpasses $100,000 In Donations
The latest auction marks another milestone for the North Easthope Antique Tractor Club. Through its tractor donation initiative, the organization has now contributed more than $100,000 to MCC projects over the years.
For many collectors, antique tractor restoration is often viewed simply as a hobby. The NEAT program demonstrates how vintage machinery preservation can also serve a much larger purpose. Instead of keeping restored tractors hidden away in private collections, club members are turning their passion into tangible support for humanitarian efforts. It is a model that benefits everyone involved: historic farm equipment is preserved, enthusiasts gain public appreciation for their work, and charitable organizations receive meaningful financial support.
Programs like this continue to show that the agricultural heritage community can play an important role far beyond preserving old iron.
