#Tractor pulls pictures series#

This relationship between the WTPA and the World Dairy Expo, unfortunately, only lasted one year. Pulling contracts were drawn up listing the group as the Wisconsin Tractor Pullers Association using the World Dairy Expo office in Madison as headquarters. The minutes show that discussion was held on joining the National Tractor Pullers Association (NTPA). WTPA dues were set at $5 per person and Rules were defined. The General Chairman was Sheldon Schieldt from Madison. The remaining Board of Directors were Lloyd Luedtke from Allenton, Robert Nelson from Deerfield, Jim Skaar from Cottage Grove, Edgar Alme from Stoughton, and Dan Brauer from Brodhead. Minutes from this meeting showed that an election of officers was held with Henry Fredenberg from Cottage Grove elected as the Chairman/President, and Lyle Uphoff from Cottage Grove elected as Secretary-Treasurer. The meeting was held at the VFW Hall in Stoughton, Wisconsin. This is the only reference to the word “Southern” used in the WTPA name. Minutes from this first meeting listed the group name as the Southern Wisconsin Tractor Pullers Association. The first organizational meeting of the Wisconsin Tractor Pullers Association was held on April 6, 1970.

From those early roots, the Wisconsin Tractor Pullers Association (WTPA) was formed. Safety was a concern and a group of pullers and promoters felt there was a need for consistent rules and improved safety for tractor pulling events. Rules were set by the local group putting on the pull which meant each location had a different set of rules. It was a place for neighbors to get together and compete with their farm tractors. If you, or someone you know, have any stories or pictures to share, please contact Joyce Hoffman at or send it to We will try to include as much information as possible.īefore 1970, tractor pulls were held at local celebrations and fairs. If there is a topic you would like to know more about, please let us know and we may include it in an upcoming write-up. The plan is to follow the evolution of the group through the years so modern pullers may be tapped for information.

We will be reaching out to people who were involved in the early years to hear their stories. This project is a group effort spearheaded by Michelle and Chris Pichler. Pictures and stories will be shared as we go along. Most of the factual information will come from the WTPA archives. Stories from those early times will be shared to help you get an idea of what pulling was like in the beginning and how it has changed over the years.

#Tractor pulls pictures series#

Who were these people and what happened in the beginning and throughout the years?Ī series of articles will be published monthly on the WTPA website to take a look at how the WTPA evolved. They were looking for a consistent set of rules to follow as well as improved safety at pulling events. The organization that it is today was built on the ideas and visions of many early pullers. The Wisconsin Tractor Pullers Association (WTPA) will be celebrating their 50 th year as a pulling organization in 2020.