MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2024. BY STEVEN GORHAM, AGE 13.
My name is Steven Gorham, I am 13 years old, and I want to be a farmer. I have wanted to be a farmer as long as I can recall riding in a John Deere tractor with my Grandfather, Steve Stoltenberg. Since then, I have had a passion for tractors.
My Dad promised that if I got more A’s than B’s, he would support my farming career. I have studied hard, and now my plan is to restore my Grandfather’s John Deere 4010 that was my Great Grandfather’s (Rudolph Giessner, a cattle rancher in Cassel pictured below) and has been in the family since it was bought from the John Deere dealership in 1962.
My Grandfather upgraded its engine to a 4020. Once I get the tractor running, I plan to take it to parades and use it to farm on the five acres I live on with my family to start my farming career.
Like all big projects, I cannot do this alone and am calling on the Lodi winegrowing community for your help. I’m in need of many parts that include an engine. I understand that I have a lot to learn and I am very willing and able. The good news is I have the original manual. If you have a 4020 or 4010 (running or not) and are willing to sell, or know of a reasonable and trustworthy mechanic to help me restore this tractor, please reach out to my Mom, Corie Gorham, at Coriegorham@gmail.com or 209-625-5999. Thank you!
Featured image courtesy of Corie Gorham and family.
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