NFMS 2025 Championship Tractor Pull Heats Up

Feb 05, 2025
By Jean-Paul McDonald
Assistant Editor, North American Content, Farms.com

High-stakes Competition Draws Top U.S. Tractor Pullers

The 2025 Championship Tractor Pull at Kentucky's Freedom Hall is poised to be an exhilarating event, continuing its tradition since 1969 as the pinnacle of indoor tractor pulling contests in the United States.

With nearly 200 participants from across the nation, the competition, running from February 12-15, will distribute over $300,000 in prizes.

This event, integral to the National Farm Machinery Show, attracts around 70,000 fans annually, who come prepared with earplugs to experience the thunderous spectacle. Competitors like Lisa Tatum, the first female champion in 2003, add a personal layer to the event's rich narrative.

Tatum shares her anticipation, "I’ve competed a few times since then, but knowing I’ll be back in Freedom Hall in February still feels just as exciting and nerve-wracking as it did the very first time."

As drivers push their machines to the limit, aiming for the coveted “full pull,” the audience is treated not only to a display of raw power but also to stories of dedication and passion that resonate beyond the roar of engines.

For those looking to experience this unique blend of competition and camaraderie, ticket availability is diminishing, especially for later sessions. Prospective attendees are encouraged to visit champpull.org to secure their spot.

Additional event details include accessible parking for $15 at the gate or $12 online, ensuring attendees can enjoy the spectacle with ease.

The Championship Tractor Pull not only showcases the best in tractor pulling but also celebrates the spirit and strategy that define this beloved American sporting tradition.

Limited tickets remain for upcoming sessions. Secure yours at https://champpull.org/tickets.

Photo Credit: NFMS-Tractor-pull

Video: Dicamba Returns for Georgia Farmers: What the New EPA Ruling Means for Cotton Growers

After being unavailable in 2024 due to registration issues, dicamba products are returning for Georgia farmers this growing season — but under strict new conditions.

In this report from Tifton, Extension Weed Specialist Stanley Culpepper explains the updated EPA ruling, including new application limits, mandatory training requirements, and the need for a restricted use pesticide license. Among the key changes: a cap of two ½-pound applications per year and the required use of an approved volatility reduction agent with every application.

For Georgia cotton producers, the ruling is significant. According to Taylor Sills with the Georgia Cotton Commission, the vast majority of cotton planted in the state carries the dicamba-tolerant trait — meaning farmers had been paying for technology they couldn’t use.

While environmental groups have expressed concerns over spray drift, Georgia growers have reduced off-target pesticide movement by more than 91% over the past decade. Still, this two-year registration period will come with increased scrutiny, making stewardship and compliance more important than ever.