Community Involvement

The Old Glade Antique Tractor Association (OGATA) is a non-profit organization formed in 2008 to preserve agricultural history and preservation of antique farming equipment in Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee. OGATA focuses on preserving, displaying, and demonstrating farming techniques, antique farm equipment, and sharing the agricultural history of the region with the community. Partnering with the Town of Abingdon, OGATA utilizes the newly restored Fairview Homestead, which is owned by the Town, to host the group’s meetings, community farming events, and preservation of the agricultural site in town.

Antique Tractor and Farm Equipment Preservation

The organization focuses on educating the community about past farming techniques and equipment. Members restore and preserve farming equipment that have been donated or on loan to the organization. This machinery provides the opportunity to demonstrate wheat binding, threshing, hay pressing, and many other farm practices.

Planting and Harvesting Crops

Members have worked to redevelop the cropland at the Fairview Homestead allowing OGATA to raise wheat and vegetables as it was once farmed from the 1800s through the 1900s. Along with donations from various entities within the region, members donate their time, fuel, personal equipment and funds towards the preservation of the farm land and growing crops. Each year OGATA grows vegetable crops (potatoes, corn, and onions) at the Fairview Homestead and donates the food crops to local food pantries.

The 2014 potato crop exceeded previous years with a total of 2500 pounds being donated to a local food bank in Southwest Virginia.