Photo by David Slone , Times-Union

"We just had so much interest in tractors, it seemed like a natural progression," Editor-in-Chief Dennis Polk, of Dennis Polk Equipment, New Paris, said.

Polk said the magazine began because there were no publications exclusive to the tractor group at that time. There were several publications on specific makes, but none on all makes, he said.

He said now there are about four magazines featuring all makes, including his publication. The other publications may have come about due to the success the Polk magazine has had.

"When we introduced the first issue, we got 400 or 500 subscriptions right off. Now, they come in spurts. We have 5,000 subscribers now," Polk said.

And the subscribers are not just Indiana people, nor are they just people in the agricultural field, Polk said. He said there are subscribers to his bi-monthly publication in every state of the union and other countries as far as South Africa. Some of the subscribers are people who enjoy the hobby of working on cars and tractors, he said.

In order to get the issues to the subscribers around the world though, it first has to be put together. The task of putting the information and page layout falls to Managing Editor Valerie Baugher. She has been with Dennis Polk Equipment for a year and a half.

"If I just strictly work on it, it takes me a week. But, I just work on it here and there so it takes me longer," Baugher said.

There are various recurring features in the magazine Baugher must make sure are in every issue.

Polk said, "In each issue, there will be one historical article on one particular make. We try to make it educational."

Other segments include features and classified advertisement. A section called "Cream of the Crop" features photos of readers' tractors they bought or repaired. Letters to the editor, called Polk's Mail Box, are also an intricate part of the publication.

In the current November and December issue, letters come from a 14-year-old boy from Hebron, Ind., one from a 72-year-old man from Pennsylvania, and another one from a man in Alaska.

The letter from the Pennsylvania man ended by saying, "Keep up the good work!"

A letter from a woman from Pennsylvania said, "I also had many people who know me remark about the humorous story, you must have a lot of readers out there."

Baugher said, "A lot of times, when people write their letters, they're also renewing. We try to get them to send pictures in too."

Polk's antique tractor magazine has two freelance writers. They are Bill Vossler and James Romeo. They write features and compile the trivia questions for readers to test their tractor knowledge. Their information helps to maintain the 60 to 80 page magazine.

"We had 12 (pages) in our first one," Polk said.

Dennis Polk Equipment has one of the biggest auctions in the country on Labor Day. This past year, they had over 480 tractor sales. Buyers came from 40 different states and they had consignments from as far as South Africa, Polk said. Dennis Polk Equipment also has about 15 total acres of tractors and tractor parts and equipment.

Being such a large tractor and tractor equipment selling company hasn't caused the company to lose their personal touch, though. Dennis Polk said they work real hard to keep it a quality and personal magazine.

"We try to be a magazine that puts a personal touch to it," Polk said. "Every issue is a special issue."

Polk said one difference between their magazine and some others was their auction report. Polk bases their report on actual sales, he said, instead of opinions like many do. They also sell thousands of tractors a year and that helps them get a grasp on the tractor needs and wants of those who buy tractors.

"We've got a pretty good handle on (the market). We're (probably) the best auction indicators than anyone else," Polk said.

Polk said that the tractor business was something that really was for anyone. Tractors, Polk said, can cost anywhere from $500 to whatever anyone could imagine. But, there was also a sentimental reason people invest in older tractors and repaired them, too.

"A lot of us look back and talk about the good old days," he said.

Anyone interested in subscribing to the antique tractor magazine can Dennis Polk Equipment at (219)-831-3555 or fax at (219)-831-5717. Subscription rates are $18 yearly in the U.S. and $24 for foreign sales. Subscriptions must be received by the 15th of February, April, June, August, October, or December in order to receive the upcoming issue. [[In-content Ad]]