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: Will the 2025 USDA December Crop Report Be a Market Mover/Surprise?

Historically, the USDA December crop report is a non-event or another dud report as the USDA reserves any final supply changes to the final report in January of the following year in this case 2026. But after the longest U.S. government shutdown in history at 43 days and no October crop report will they provide more data/surprise and make an exception?
Our China U.S. soybean purchase tracker is now at 26.6% or a total of 3.2 mmt but for traders it’s taking too long to unfold.
The final Stats Canada production report was bearish canola and wheat projection a record crop in both (it adds to the global glut of supplies) and bullish local corn and soybean prices in Ontario/Quebec thanks to a drought. It will not help the fund flow short-term, the USDA may need to offset it?
A U.S. Fed interest rate cut of another 25-basis point next Wednesday (probability 87.1%) could help fund flow and sentiment in stock and ag commodities into year end.
More inflows into Bitcoin this past week saw prices rebound back above 90,000 with support at 82,000 and resistance at 96,000.
A V-shaped bottom in cattle suggest the lows are in after Mexico reported another new world screwworm case. Lower weights, seasonal demand and higher U.S. beef select/choice values with a continued closure of the Mexican border to cattle will result in a resumption of higher cattle futures into yearend.
Australia is expected to produce its 3rd largest wheat crop ever at 36 mmt adding to the global glut of supplies.
Reports of ASF in hogs in Spain the largest pork exporter in Europe could see the U.S. win more pork export business long-term.
If the rains verify into next week of 3-5 inches for Brazil it would go a long way to fixing the dry regions from the last 2-months, but the European weather model has been wrong for the past 2-months!
Natural gas futures are surging to the 3rd price count as frigid hold temps set in.
CDN $ is also surging to end the week on a very resilient economy and better employment numbers suggesting no interest rate cuts next week.
Finally, the CFTC report showed funds were net buyers of soybeans but sellers of corn, canola and wheat. In real time the funds have gone back to selling as they take some profits.