Michael Hinton, Founder of National Antique Tractor Preservation Day, 2025 National Agricultural Hall of Fame Inductee, and Creator of TalkingTractors.com, Continues to Champion America’s Agricultural Heritage
TOPEKA, Kan. — For the third consecutive year, Kansas Governor Laura Kelly has issued an official proclamation recognizing Antique Tractor Preservation Day in the State of Kansas, reaffirming Kansas’ commitment to preserving the rich agricultural heritage that has shaped both the state and the nation. Governor Kelly, the 48th Governor of Kansas, previously issued proclamations recognizing the observance on July 29, 2024, and July 25, 2025, making this year’s proclamation a historic third consecutive recognition.
In her 2026 proclamation, Governor Kelly cites House Resolution HR 6011, which was introduced, adopted, and enrolled by the Kansas House of Representatives, proclaiming August 22 as Antique Tractor Preservation Day in celebration of the restoration, preservation, and appreciation of Kansas’ and America’s agricultural history.
The national initiative was founded by Michael Hinton, a 2025 National Agricultural Hall of Fame inductee whose lifelong passion for agriculture has made him one of the nation’s foremost advocates for preserving America’s farming heritage. Widely recognized as America’s Antique Tractor Ambassador, Hinton has devoted more than 17 years to preserving the stories, traditions, and legacy represented by vintage tractors and the generations of farm families whose hard work helped build the nation.
What began as a personal passion has grown into a nationally recognized movement. Through Hinton’s vision and leadership, Antique Tractor Preservation Day has become an annual celebration honoring the people, equipment, innovation, and values that continue to define American agriculture.
In 2024, Hinton expanded that mission by launching TalkingTractors.com, an educational and community- driven platform that connects farmers, collectors, restorers, museums, historians, educators, and enthusiasts. The website serves as a living resource dedicated to preserving agricultural history while inspiring future generations to appreciate the remarkable role antique tractors have played in shaping rural America.
Hinton’s efforts have earned widespread national and international recognition for Antique Tractor Preservation Day and the preservation of America’s agricultural heritage. His work has been acknowledged by the President of the United States, recognized through multiple gubernatorial proclamations from states across the nation, honored with Congressional Record statements issued by members of the United States Congress, and commemorated through four official United States Postal Service Pictorial Postmarks. The initiative has also been featured in national television interviews, podcasts, newspapers, magazines, and leading agricultural publications, further elevating public awareness of the importance of preserving America’s farming history for future generations.
Beyond preserving historic machinery, Hinton’s mission is to preserve the character, innovation, work ethic, and pioneering spirit that have defined American agriculture for generations. He believes antique tractors are more than restored machines—they are enduring symbols of the men and women whose determination helped feed a nation and transform the American landscape.
“Kansas has always held a special place in my heart. It is the state where I was born and raised, where I am proud to call home today, and where my lifelong appreciation for agriculture first took root,” said Hinton. “I have a tremendous passion for Kansas, its people, and our nation’s rich agricultural heritage. My hope is that the legacy we are preserving today will inspire future generations of Americans to appreciate, protect, and carry forward the remarkable story of American agriculture for many generations to come.”
As Antique Tractor Preservation Day continues to grow across the United States, Kansas remains at the forefront of recognizing the importance of preserving the machinery, traditions, and stories that helped build American agriculture. Governor Kelly’s third consecutive proclamation further reinforces Kansas’ longstanding leadership in honoring the state’s agricultural roots while inspiring future generations to celebrate, preserve, and carry forward one of America’s greatest legacies.
Michael Hinton, Founder, Antique Tractor Preservation Day
America’s Antique Tractor Ambassador | National Agricultural Hall of Fame Member/Inductee
PO Box 154| Hutchinson, KS 67504 | Email: [email protected] | www.TalkingTractors.com
