Tractor promotes breast cancer awareness

Nestled among the antique tractors on display at the 15th annual New Mexico Ag Expo was a 1955 Farmall 400 tractor belonging to Connie Mac and Shelia Smith of Roswell.

The pink — yes, pink — tractor stood out in the midst of the green, red and orange tractors also on display.

Purchased to use as a pulling tractor, the rusty tractor was restored and painted pink since it would be driven by Sheila and also for fun, she said.

“We want to have fun and it’s a fun tractor,” Sheila said.

Sheila’s grandmother died from breast cancer and the tractor has become a way to honor her, she said. Pink is used to promote breast cancer awareness.

“We thought it would be a good idea to advertise breast cancer awareness,” Connie Mac said.

More than 20 antique tractors were on hand at the Ag Expo to participate in the antique tractor parade and games. While not in use for the various activities, the tractors were on display.

The Smith’s pink tractor has garnered a lot of attention at various venues, Sheila said.

“In the parades, a lot of women will holler, yell, clap and get excited when they see the tractor,” Sheila said.

During the 2006 Eastern New Mexico State Fair parade, Sheila pulled a float of breast cancer survivors with the tractor.

“I think anything like that is beneficial and fine and dandy,” Ag Expo tractor show organizer and antique tractor owner Weldon Jones said.

Along with the chance to promote breast cancer, the couple just enjoys going out and having fun, they said.

“If you’re going to spend the money, you might as well have fun,” Connie Mac said.

Today

9 a.m. - Expo opens for the day

10 a.m. - Working Stock Dog Demonstration- Show Arena

Antique Tractor Games- North end of Dairy Tent

English Dairy Seminar Series- Dairy Tent

11 a.m. - Antique Tractor Parade- Midway

Dairy Seminar Series

Noon- DFA Luncheon

1 p.m.- Country Fashion Music Festival- Women’s Building

1:30 p.m.- Working Stock Dog Demonstration- Show Arena

2:30 p.m. - antique Tractor Parade- Midway

5 p.m.- Expo closes

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