Sad Endings and New Beginnings

Today is a day of sad endings and new beginnings. Winter has begun with 8" of snow, and I bring out the Farmall Super A to plow the driveways. Then it's time to move the tractors around in the barn and get out the Farmall MD. We pull the MD down to the shop and I begin disassembling it. This is the beginning of a winter-long project to get it running after 20 years. And I have some news about a sad ending, but put it in perspective of life and death on the farm.
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[@klazyy641]

The way you handled Marvel's passing was perfect. Reality sometimes brings a bit of sadness and your farmer's philosophy of it was refreshing to see. I was born on a ranch a LONG time ago and recall my grandfather and uncle dealing with similar life and death situations with the same 'tender reality' and moving on. As a rancher or a farmer, you can't do anything but that. I respect that Marvel had affection directed towards him all the way up until the end. Beats the alternative of being on a commercial stockyard where (I think) he'd have just been hauled out and left to pass on alone. Thanks for your caring for your livestock.

[@reloader50bmg]

I do like the way you think....The world needs more of it!

[@jhb61249]

In 1993, I moved from San Francisco to Spokan, Washington the weekend of NewYearsEve. It was 4 days of Blizzard weather and snow storms all the way. My chains, I purchased just in case, were neatly packaged laying in the back seat of the car. I did not know how to put them on, and once I got moving, there was no stopping, mainly out of fear. The trip was horrendous, and I later heard how man had died in the weather. Whew! I was a bird breeder. It was such a horrible experience when ever I lost a bird. But as you do, I knew I then had to devote my energies on the survivors.

[@yert33]

Can't believe I finally found your channel. It's the best thing on the internet. As a young 65 year old looking for a third career your videos give me so much inspiration! Thank you, Pete.

[@jimb2520]

It's tough to see a calf struggling with health issues such as it was, so Marvel's passing is likely a blessing. What's important is how we treat animals in our care while they are here, be it a farm animal or the family pet. I appreciate the care and respect you show for the animals in your care.

[@geneellens6939]

We are so sorry about Marvel he was a beautiful calf.

[@JustaFewAcresFarm]

Thank you Gene.

[@michaelmactavish1728]

@@JustaFewAcresFarm guess lucky had a spare starter on that old internatonal lol

[@michaelmactavish1728]

i think my kubota dealer here in pei canada could find parts for the old international md if need it plus he'll ship it to ya heres his email address : [e-mail] hope that helps ya peter

[@smuise67]

Aww sorry to read about your calf, I just started watching your channel not long ago, So you said The calf will be come compost? How is that done?

[@SatanicHippie]

You started the idea of moving around when this video came out. Since then I’ve had it in the back of my head to make sure that’s what I wanted to do. And now I’m preparing to move to my grandpas home that he built on the outskirts of a small mountain town. And will have 12 acres of forest to build and start a garden and areas for animals. Long story short, thank you for being the spark that lead me to changing my whole life.

[@Twomidgetsonahorse]

The one common thread we all share whether two or four legged is there is a finality to life. Some people or creatures simply burn brighter and more ferociously than others and as such take their final bow sooner than expected. I too grew up on a farm and any loss was always hard to bear but you simply have to move on and be pragmatic about it. You have a wonderful outlook on how Marvel will remain in the years to come on the farm. That truly is what the circle of life is all about. I look forward to seeing other rambunctious youngsters grow and thrive on your farm.

[@MrVailtown]

Sad about Marvel. Every time I watch you I gain more Respect. Today you gain a Whole bunch more. Ty Pete

[@TaurusPrimus]

I never usually comment but when you said Marvel passed away I became very saddened 😢 I was hoping he would be ok . You did all you could for Marvel and I know he is great full for that. Rest In Peace Marvel.🐮

[@JustaFewAcresFarm]

Thank you

[@user-kt7mi3yy8j]

Sorry to hear of your loss. As a good farmer you did all you could to make him comfortable.

[@detroitdieselpower1]

Sorry for your loss! We had an MD on our farm when I was a kid. A guy gave it to us because rain went down the exhaust and set up the engine. My dad pulled the spark plugs out and filled each cylinder with Marvel Mystery Oil and let it set for 6 months. After that 6 months, we topped off each cylinder with more Marvel and put a large pipe wrench on the hand crank with a 6 foot pipe. Then hooked a come along to the pipe and the front wheel to apply steady pressure in a counterclockwise direction. After a few months, one day we saw the come along laying on the ground. The engine was free. We rolled it over a few times to clear out the oil and put the spark plugs in and it started right up and ran great. We got many years out of that old tractor. I can’t wait to hear yours run.

[@mikedaniel5067]

Hi Pete: We scattered my Dad's ashes on the Wyoming ranch as he felt that in some way he would be reincarnated through the use of the grass by some cow and in a sense live forever. All the best and Merry Christmas

[@AndyM.]

THANKS from this hick from Lancaster, SC of ALWAYS explaining why you are doing stuff! I for one appreciate it!

[@stephene.8737]

Been going back and watching old videos. Cannot wait to see the finished results of two years worth of work on this tractor!!

[@lewisgardner1660]

I think the way you handles the death on the farm was spot on, it’s part of farm life.

[@user-gv6yx8lq7m]

As a fellow farmer I love your answer to snow mud chains on tractor seems at 74 years of age iam amazed at rediculeious comments or onions put out on internet locations we wish you the very best I the years to come great informative videos thanks a million the general lil dulce and Robert

[@kgandres]

I saw the title and almost didn’t watch it. I’ve been really cheering for Marvel. You gave him the best chance for recovery and survival. I’m glad I did watch because you brought light to how losing an animal like this affected you. It’s a real blow to us that watch you but even more so for you and your family. I continue to learn more about the day to day issues running a farm will bring. I’m not there yet but fixing old Farmall tractors is about as rewarding as it gets. I’m eager to watch the MD rebuild. Hopefully you’ll get it to “painting” condition.

[@lydiaander45]

Ken Hello hope you are doing great

[@robertmeadows7508]

As a very young chap in 1950 s our school organised a trip out of London suburbs to a farm in Kent ,beautiful England ! We had a wonderful day out ! The farmer showed us his spare tractor that he wernt using as a Songthrush was nesting on it ! There was a massive sow that had so many piglets it was hard to count them !He told us the sow had accidently lay on a piglet & flattened it so he buried it in manure heap ! Sow broke out its enclosure, located dead piglet, dug it out & ate it ! No waste in Nature he said !! Thank you ...

[@Cinder2008]

The fact that you name your livestock says a lot about how you raise them. There is a joy in your voice whenever you talk about the young pigs.

[@lydiaander45]

Sam Hello hope you are doing great

[@tangerineskiesranch8911]

I lost my first goat kid this last Saturday, I’ve learned so so many things watching your channel. I deeply aspire to be “you” someday. Your words may be simple sometimes, but they’re always exactly what I need to here! Thank you for everything you do

[@JohnVanRuiten]

Sorry to hear about Marvel. You know that with cows sometimes you don't know how they got hurt. I know you are a great steward of both your land and your animals so just keep doing what you're doing.

[@herbmartin9717]

They say ," if you have livestock, you will most likely at some point have deadstock" . Sorry for your loss.

[@robertordewald8678]

Hello, good video. I have seen the dual fuel International tractors but I had never had explained how they function. Very nicely said! I used to have a Farmall 100 which is what IH called the Super A when they renamed everything. I had a 6 foot belly mower and a 5 foot push/snow plow. I wish I have kept it but my wife was afraid of it. She told me that she would mow if I bought a smaller tractor. I did, she didn't. What took me an hour each week now took two and a half hours. Her heart was in the right place. I later bought a Ferguson TO-20 and I still have that after 25 years. I love the older equipment and for me I can't see buying a new 25 thousand dollar tractor that does a job no better than my 80 tear old Tractor. Thanks again, Bob Ordewald Staunton Virginia

[@kedrinraymond5261]

Sorry about your lost Pete you and Hillarie have my condolences

[@geraldcross2866]

From looking at your shops and barns, it appears you have years and years of projects that you can work on! tractors and farm equipment that you can save and salvage. But remember you appear to be about 60 or so and time is short. Old age is sneaking up on you. I spent many days and hours on an M Farmall on a cotton farm in West Texas and have great memories. My Dad was always right behind me on a G John Deere. Love your show!!

[@stephangiroux1435]

It is always hard when you lose an animal. Hopefully you can take some comfort in knowing he will not suffer anymore and you did all you could for him. I feel for you and your family.

[@ronaldturk4199]

My great grandfather always told me that if you’re going to have livestock you are bound to have dead stock too. It’s part of farming. I’m a fifth generation farmer, I’ve grown up on the farm and I’ve grown up understanding many things that most of the younger generation does not. It’s always sad even more so when you have a bond with the animals that a small family farm usually has with their animals.

[@sarat.7301]

So sorry to hear about Marvel, he was a lovely calf.

[@PeopleAlreadyDidThis]

We've always been fans of the James Herriot books. "Where there's stock, there's trouble." Goodbye, Marvel. We don't live in snow country, but your tire chains up in the barn remind me in a way of my dad. If he had ever needed chains, he would have had them stored and would never have used them, because if you used them, you might wear them out. But they'll last forever if you never use them, so you get the most from your investment! A true child of the Depression and son of a 40-acre farmer, he was.

[@ardenpeters4386]

oh to have a tractor!! i sooooo wish!

[@jimh1369]

Sorry about Marvel, but I love the idea that he will always be a part of the farm. Your outlook over Marvel's passing is very positive, and I like the way you take it in stride, even though it's hard to lose an animal that you become attached to. Merry Christmas, Pete.

[@justinw1617]

I’m so sorry about marvel, that’s one of the worst parts of agriculture

[@myforeverhomestead6152]

Sad about Marvel, but truly part of farm life. Glad to hear he will become part of the farm forever.

[@markbeach7253]

Thank you for the way you told the story of Marvel. Part of me didn't want to comment after such a long time; but, for me, Marvel encapsulates what makes your videos so good -a finely tuned balance of your obvious love of the land and your animals, your impish sense of humour, ("You wanna hear a joke?", "No."!) and finally, but by no means least, your enquiring mind and philosophical approach and the beautifully reasonable response to the questions you raise? THANK YOU

[@robertgonzales5515]

You are right sir, when say said things change. That's is why we must enjoy the present because once it changes it will not come back , you seem to have a tender heart I pray you will raise another Marvel.

[@Dan-oz4qb]

You're a good man Pete. Your love of the animals and the land is obvious. Your mechanical skill and knowledge is impressive as well. Looking forward to the tractor project. Merry Christmas to your family. 🎄

[@patbrady9531]

Pete, I'm a 76 year old housewife and I could watch you breaking down tractor engines for hours, and I do!

[@357bullfrog9]

That old Farmall fired right up. Good engine. I wish I could find a cub with a belly mower. I could keep my ten little acres looking like a yard

[@simr7856]

i am sad to hear about Marvel. i know, i wont forget Marvel. i feel fortunant to had been raised by my grandparents, who were farmers. and expereince Farm life. i am still proud of my garndfather long after his passing for how well he treated his livestock, and equipment. everything got treated with respect by this gentle giant of a man. same respect i have for you and your Farm Pete.

[@sclivestock5943]

Sorry to hear Marvel past. As much as you try not to get to attached they still hold a spot in your soul. Take care. Friend from the North 🇨🇦

[@KPearce57]

That MD brought a lot old memories, I grew up in Upstate NY. we had an MD/TA bought new, when cold started on Gas after stating and switching to diesel it would blow perfect smoke rings, we worked 750 acres with 1 H 3 Super M's 1 MD/TA . They were all worked until they got tried, got sold, replaced with 2 756 IH in the early 70s I believe open station.

[@eagle2019]

So sorry to hear of Marvel's passing! Take solace in knowing that while his life was cut short, the years he lived were good ones, well cared for and loved....

[@MarkPorter-oo4xv]

I love the restoration videos 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@lylegoodworth1036]

I can’t wait to see the MD run I love old tractors

[@oldbones3092]

Watching you move that dead tractor into your shop, you need a "push/pull pipe". I made one for myself to use for those situations. I took a 10 ft piece of 3 inch pipe and welded a wagon tongue pin hitch on each end. Hook one end to the drawbar on the dead tractor, and the other end to the push/pull tractor's drawbar. You don't have to worry about the chain getting slack and you don't have to worry about the loader bucket tearing up the back of the dead tractor. A lot safer and more solid. Just a thought.

[@kedrinraymond5261]

Sorry about your lost Pete you have my condolences

[@ImpHalla66]

Sadness to hear of Marvels passing. I’m happy that you and Hillary did everything possible to help him. Excited for the MD, but after I shed a tear for Marvel. Thx for sharing your farm and family with my family. ❤️

[@jennifermclaughlin2911]

I'm so sorry for your loss. Marvel was well cared for right until the end.

[@sandymaholik5506]

Growing up on a farm you learn to deal with death. "It is part of farming". Still it's hard. Thinking of you.

[@dejayblair7571]

Sorry for your loss, it hurts your heart and your pocket! The MD Tractor is very interesting to me because I’ve never seen one of those! We had all gas tractors that I’m aware of in those models. We have a Super A that my grandfather bought new in 54. Thanks again for the great video!

[@alpacasandstitches]

Sorry to hear about Marvel. I know what its like to lose an animal. Take comfort in knowing that you did everything you could for him. 💔

[@The1973Drummer]

This is my favorite T. V. show.

[@JustaFewAcresFarm]

Thank you Nathan!!

[@jonathanosborne9889]

I love that hand crank tractors that you plowed snow with I would love to have that for a collector that is so cool good luck with your restoration God bless you and your family

[@scottpetersen8386]

I'm 68,my dad farmed,grew up with m tractors,and other red tractors,when u started that m,it brought me right back,the sound it made

[@JamesCouch777]

Just came across your channel 😊. The Farmalls reminded me of my childhood, my dad, uncle, grandfather and granduncle all had Farmalls. I have several tractors but no Farmall ☹️. The farm life is a hard life but for some reason I love it.

[@lydiaander45]

James Hello hope you are doing great

[@dropbassnetwork]

sorry about marvel. it's never easy losing a calf, but your outlook on him always being a part of the farm is nice.

[@donbright3340]

Glad you are well,excited about your new project with MD.You bring back farm chores as a teenager .

[@chrissilsby4312]

My Uncle had a Super M. My Dad had an A.C. B, that had a hand crank, that I could never get to start, but my could do it ever time with fail. We sent it down to the local school, to put on a hand lifted snowplow. It was made with boilerplate and to lifted with a counterweight of a old, large, front tractor weight.

[@murrayallan1960]

When I watch your videos,it brings back memories of my days on the farm. I miss them days.

[@jimcour291]

Thank you for the update! I am sorry you lost him, but you can be comforted that you did all you can for him and he will always be with you

[@Jane-rq7sv]

R.I.P. Marval you will be missed.

[@andrewpaige6571]

O Pete I’m sorry to hear of the passing of your calf. I was looking forward to seeing him and giving us progress report about him. We know that farming is a part of life when we have to burry our calves chickens and hawks cats and dogs. You make the live so much richer when you fall in a relationship with them and we fall in love with them as time goes by. Do you have a pure soul and I pray that you continue to go on in this crazy woman makes a world. With the Covid- and pandemic it makes it much easier when I turn you on I watch you every day sometime I love you some of your old footage just to have something positive to look at. Tell your family especially your precious wife there I enjoy all of them. Thank you for coming into our world all the way from Alabama Tuscaloosa Alabama the home of the University of Alabama Crimson Tide.

[@miraclefarm1927]

Y'all worked so hard to save him. We hate that for you. My daughter lost a calf last month that was rejected by it's mother and worked so hard to save him. Just like Marvel he picked up and ate a little for a couple of days then just fell off again. She just bartered for her first heifer calf yesterday, half beef half dairy, the start of her beef herd. Beyond excited to say the least. Christmas blessings.

[@JustaFewAcresFarm]

I think that's the right way to do it; move on from the loss and focus on the next one!

[@dwaynekoblitz6032]

Take the untold billions of cows that’ve come and gone with only being appreciated on the table and Marvels short life had meaning. He was loved, doctored, cheered on, and prayed for. R.I.P. Marvel. You did all that you could. It’s all that can be expected. I love the snow plow! But hate the snow. The rebuild is going to be fantastic!

[@rob7652]

I really enjoy your videos. So sorry about Marvel but love the way you tied his passing with your farms future.

[@farmertyler8087]

I’m sorry to hear about marvel. It’s clear by your voice when you were talking about him how much you cared. You did all that could be done and certainly much more than would’ve been done in nature

[@qave]

Thank you. Your channel as a whole reminds me of the simpler nicer side of America.

[@gregorysantana7920]

I love to see how we do everything possible so that the animals do not die. Hugs from the dominican republic

[@ericbunksvintagesportsman6311]

Man I love all those tractors!!! What a collection!!!

[@RatdogDRB]

Condolences on the loss of Marvel. He was a cute little bugger. You can rest knowing you did your best to help him and to make him comfortable.

[@doreenhanson2172]

I didn't think he'd make it. He had that look of a gradual down hill slide. You handled it as well as anyone could.

[@swamprat69er]

How well I remember plowing snow on an open station Farmall C. That is the main reason I have a cab with heat on my newer tractor. Have a very Merry Christmas!

[@KawiLover250]

I cremated my daughter in the hopes she would become part of the earth again too. Maybe a giant redwood, a whale, a pretty flower, maybe just some dirt, and that's alright with me 🥰

[@duane4541]

That's a very nice way to remember, sorry for your loss

[@craiggilbert7197]

You are an inspiration . Thank you for such great video's.

[@leafywatson249]

Me&my wife will prey for you&your family for health&strength and bless all the other animals to be strong&healthy.

[@randywilliams9531]

Sorry to hear about the loss of one of your animals

[@vernonboone9127]

I understand I don't no you or never met you but your a dam good man . And I learned to love you buddy . Thank u

[@dragonfarm2texas518]

I know you did everything you could for Marvel...so very sorry for your loss. Wish I had your skill with restoring Tractors as I have an old Farm-All just sitting in the barn that I don't know what is wrong with it.

[@mzimmerman1988]

You are a talented teacher. Thanks for the video! I'd appreciate it if you brought us along for the fuel pump rebuild

[@dsalinaspk]

My heart is broken, I love animal and i was praying for his heal. Thank you for all you do. The caring you provide is priceless! :(

[@karenmatthews1751]

I am truly sorry for your loss.

[@michaelstark703]

I’m impressed on how well the A and plow do

[@mathbrown9099]

Just watched this today (12-22-22). I’m sorry that Marvel didn’t make it and sorry for your loss.

[@tomjerniagan8827]

Sorry you again experienced the stinking part of farming. Thank you for sharing. But I am excited for the MD.

[@dazydaisy3657]

Awww...very sorry for the loss of Marvel. Thank you for documenting and sharing your care for him before and after his death.

[@glengillis7542]

Thats a interesting engine. Early Hybrid. Gas and diesel in one engine. Not easy to engineer way back then. Now it would be easier electronically but back then all mechanical. Will be following this build for sure. Thanks for taking us along. Sad day for your family and the calf. You could be dusted around your farm some day in the very far future. Thanks for the video

[@edwarddeyojr.793]

sorry to hear about Marvel,,,,,,,,,all you can do is try,,and you did your best,,but it wont be the last one,,,🇺🇸😇😍enjoy watching and listening,,God bless

[@stephenglendenning1475]

Sorry 😞 about the lost. Just have good week the family. Looking forward to see my of are U Tube.

[@lewisgeddes4059]

Just discovered your channel and been binge watching all your videos for the past 5 hours haha. Keep up the great work you do. I have no clue about farming but I enjoy learning more about it. You sure have a blessed life & a wonderful family🤙

[@robertblackman3451]

Like everyone else, we're sorry about marvel, unfortunately that's part of farming. Most people don't talk about that part, so kudos to you. That's reality. I love the MD project, I'll be keeping a close eye on youtube! Keep up the good work

[@bdsgreg500]

Thanks for sharing and keep on doing all the good stuff your doing

[@jamessmith7691]

First time watcher. Good video. Your boy looks like good help, tell him so and teach him well.

[@lydiaander45]

James Hello hope you are doing great

[@johnfawcett4606]

I’m super excited about your new project!

[@mikoyanfulcrum1]

We will miss ya ole 2002!

[@lsbraswell]

Sad to hear of Marvel's passing but also excited to see more MD videos. Its my dream to own a vintage Farmall one day! Can't wait to see it running again!

[@harriethunter8910]

So sorry about your beautiful calf. Hope you all have a great Christmas and Happy 2021. Best wishes from Melbourne Australia.

[@woutflier4611]

Hi Pete, greetz from The Netherlands! Youre doing a very good job over there in Lansing NY. Keep up the good job... love to watch your videos... I am still busy to watch all your videos..

[@shaniaa9287]

That's too bad about Marvel and I guess you're right in saying it's all part of life. My condolences. Life goes on after all and we just must go on ourselves. So much yet to do. 😢👍

[@chrismorgan6898]

It is a disturbing fact, but when you live on a farm or ranch, one has to expect loss. It does not make it any easier though. Sad to hear about the calf. What is great to see, is a person who cares about his animals the way you do.

[@larrymoore6640]

Your ending was a good way of looking a the loss but also the gain. Pete like my father told us boys you don't want any animal to suffer. I also look at it as they are not in pain and like us someday they are in a good place.