Tractor Parades Legalized in Missouri

Phew! At least they got this important issue taken care of. Now I can sleep at night.

JEFFERSON CITY — Sitting beside an antique John Deere tractor on the Missouri Capitol's south lawn, Gov. Jay Nixon signed legislation Friday that allows tractor parades on state roads.

Nixon held the signing ceremony just a few hours after the formal end of the 2009 legislative session, when lawmakers gave his office the bills approved by the House and Senate before they adjourned May 15.

The tractor parade measure took effect immediately, clearing the way for an event scheduled Sunday in the central Missouri town of Vichy. Until now, farm tractors were allowed on state roads only when they were being driven between fields.

"Agriculture has been the backbone of Missouri's economy ever since statehood, and it's a rich part of our heritage," Nixon said.

He later added that tractor parades give Missourians a chance to see the machines that help make Missouri an "agriculture powerhouse."

Missourians have held tractor parades in the past despite questions about their legality. Last year, an event in Montgomery County was canceled over such concerns.