By: Taylor Arens - Journal Staff
Many drove antique tractors across the Crofton area on Friday, July 10 for the 2026 Tri-State Old Iron Association Nebraska Ride.
The 2026 TSOIA kicked off at Paddle Point at 8 a.m. They stopped at CJ’s at the Lake in the morning for a break. They then stopped in Lindy at the Lindy Good Shepherd Lutheran Church for lunch. They then drove to St. Joseph Parish Hall in Constance for an evening break. Hundreds of tractors from the area took this route. It was filled with many antique tractors from several different brands.
There were around 165 registered tractors this year for TSOIA, with Crofton area residents being featured as well. Tractor riders from nine states enjoyed the countryside of northeast Nebraska and southeast South Dakota. The event has been going on since 2006, with this year being their 20 year anniversary.
Kirk Neuhalfen, Robert Steffen, and Francis Steffen all from Crofton; Ron Kast from Fordyce; and Jacob Stewart from Bloomfield were all Crofton area residents who participated.
Crofton residents Mike Mueller, Mike Schieffer, Bert Tramp, Rod Schieffer, and others displayed their tractors which all received many positive comments.
Bev Mueller, one of the co-chairs of the committee thanked volunteers and sponsors for all their help this year, despite how hot it was outside. Drivers from ages 18-90 all participated in the tractor ride as well as there were many women drivers this year. Mueller feels as if they’re drawing more women to participate in the event.
Mueller also said she heard a lot of wonderful comments from
people.