Backhus collection featured in magazine

Physical sciences chair DeWayne Backhus was featured in 'Successful Farming' magazine this month for his collection of over 2,000 model tractors and farm implements.

Backhus has been collecting toy tractors for 30 years, after he recognized models tractors he had played with as a boy in rural Dickenson County. "Collecting model tractors connects me to my roots and gives me something with which I can identify from earlier in life," he told 'Successful Farming.'

His collection includes a custom-made John Deere Model 5a combine from the 1930s and a Case SC model once owned by Colorado Senator Gary Hart. The rarest items are three 1954 reprints of the 1887 book 'John Deere, Blacksmith Boy.'

His collection will also be the topic of the March 24 installment of 'Successful Farming Radio Magazine,' which can be heard online at http://www.agriculture.com/sfradio/.

Last Updated July 2, 2007>