True Barn Find

My 1954 John Deere Model 40, SN68950S built in Dubuque, Iowa.

As a kid I grew up in a small town in Moscow, Iowa, set on the east side of the Cedar River in Eastern Iowa. We were a large family, seven boys and three girls on a small farm. Most of us boys worked for neighboring farmers or grandparents. I worked for a farmer, east of town and as I returned to town. I would see Rodney Dierdorf sitting under his bright yellow John Deere umbrella on the John Deere 40 with a two-row cultivator.

Rodney’s grandson, Bruce Walker, and I were reminiscing about the farm in Moscow, Iowa. His uncle Dean had farmed the land many years after Rodney passed away. I asked if all his farm equipment sold at auction…and Bruce replied yes and the land is now being farmed by someone else. I thought for a minute then asked what about Grandpa’s John Deere 40. Bruce replied “No, the family could not sell Grandpa’s first tractor.” The tractor was sitting in a small pole barn on the family farm. This tractor remained in the family all these years. I was told to contact Delores Dierdorf, Dean’s widow, to see if she would consider selling the tractor. I was told a set price and bought this tractor on August 15th, 2022.

Prior to purchasing the John Deere, the tractor sat for three+ years and was covered in cobwebs and dust. About a year after I purchased the 40 the same pole barn it was found in had blown down.

My stepson Ty Thompson and his family degreased the tractor frame, motor, and body. This was in preparation for painting the tractor. Ty and his wife Missy painted the tractor by hand with a foam brush and a gallon of JD green paint. I was amazed at the paint job…he is a true artist! My restoration journey became tougher in August 2023. I was trying to put the tractor back together for the hometown parade. I went in for a physical since I was not feeling well. I learned there was a tumor on my pancreas. I chose to be treated at Mayo Clinics in Rochester, Minnesota about four hours from home. After everything I have been through, I have truly been blessed by the good Lord, family, and friends. God has given me the strength to finish the tractor restoration project. I sure appreciated Steiner Tractor Parts as they had the parts I needed for this project. God Bless Steiner Tractor Parts!

Steve Holladay
Wilton, Iowa

If you would like to send in a story with photo(s) about an experience with your tractor, interesting facts about its history, or a restoration project,  please go to Tractor Story Submissions. If your story is picked to appear on the blog you will receive a FREE Steiner hat. Some stories will also go on to be published in our quarterly magazine. We look forward to hearing your story!