Cockshutt, Co-op Featured
Published: Friday, August 21, 2026
Cockshutt and Co-op tractors were well represented at last week's 44th annual Steam and Gas Show in LaGrange.
There were 77 Co-op and Cockshutt tractors, "a real good turnout," according to Larry Palmer, one of the organizers. The three-day show at the fairgrounds also featured over 200 tractors of various brands and 14 steam engines. The International Cockshutt Club held its annual banquet Saturday evening, which drew over 75 people.
People came from as far east as Prince Edward Island, Canada, and as far west as Colorado, Palmer said.
Chuck Smith of Wakarusa has 25 Cockshutt and Co-op tractors in his collection, including a B-2 Co-op that was built in 1941 by Indiana Farm Bureau and was on display last week.
"Before the war, they made tractors at Shelbyville, Ind.," said Smith. "There are seven of them here."
Eventually, Cockshutt purchased the Co-op brand, and that was the end of Co-op production. Cockshutts were manufactured in Ontario, Canada.
Smith said he loves old tractors, and he loves attending tractor shows and catching up with fellow collectors. Despite the threat of rain on Saturday, he was excited to be in LaGrange.
"I'm having a great time," he said. "My friends are here—friendships I've made in the past 40 years. It couldn't be better."
Return to Top of Page