Who knew tractors could dance? “It’s not something that just anyone can pick up overnight. A good driver will take upwards of six months to learn it. And it takes a lot of work and a lot of hours, but we’ve had a lot of time at it. It’s something, once you learn it, it’s like riding a bike,” said Steve Donaldson, who came up with the idea for Team Farmall, nearly 20 years ago. To the delight of crowds at this year’s International Plowing Match, Bruce County’s Square Dancing Tractors have come out of retirement, to swing, swivel, and square dance their way around a square dirt track near Walkerton. “You’ll see a lot of smiles when you come watch us. Everybody’s got their whole heart in it, and they’re enjoying it. It’s fun to drive them. I think it’s more fun to drive them, than it is to watch. It’s just a blast,” said Team Farmall driver/dancer/coach Blair Scott. Started in 2008, to perform at the International Plowing Match in Teeswater, Scott brought back together “Team Farmall” for the Walkerton match. The squad of square dancers have had their tractors in storage since 2019. “Well, I knew when the plowing match was coming to Bruce County into Walkerton again, that we had to. We had to make an attempt at getting Team Farmall going,” he said. The 12 drivers, and one square dance caller have been practicing since March perfecting their tight turns, and spinning wheels into a spectacle for all to see. “Oh, it is a lot of fun. Hundred percent, both on the square and off the square it’s a lot of fun with the group. So that’s why we do it,” said one of the drivers/dancers, Jamie Gowland. Team Farmall consists of Teeswater area neighbours, friends, and even three generations of the Ireland family with a passion for farming, performance, and pride, in putting on a good show for crowds across Ontario. “The teams really come together. All the old memories of doing the show together and the camaraderie, the family that we’ve got together. That’s all come back,” said Scott. “It’s a group of people that all get along well, and we’ve become good friends,” said one of the original drivers/dancers, George Fischer, who recently retired from driving on Team Farmall, but still comes to all the shows. Team Farmall isn’t committing to continuing their square dancing beyond the International Plowing Match. Scott says they may only have four shows left on Friday and Saturday near Walkerton. “Never say never, but if you want to see us, get here,” said Scott. “The future will belong to our younger members, whether they want to carry it forward. It’s up to them. For me, as long as I’m able to go, I’ll go,” said Donaldson, an original Team Farmall dancer/driver, who still drives with the group. Team Farmall’s schedule at the 2026 International Plowing Match near Walkerton.
