MECUM GONE FARMIN’ 270 hile it might be difficult to distinguish, there are two kinds of diehard devotees to the John Deere brand: one is an absolute fan who appreciates the quality and functionality of the farm equipment line, and the other is an utterly out-of-this-world fanatic who eats, sleeps and breathes the green and gold without even considering the thought of owning any other brand. The late Keith Ziermann of Delano, Minnesota, was the latter—a man who curated a collection worthy of the most top-tier aficionado’s respect and one so detailed that some might consider him to have been the ultimate “King of John Deere.” This November, a personally curated selection of Ziermann’s favorite tractors will be crossing the Mecum Gone Farmin’ auction block. Pam Ziermann, Keith’s wife and ever-supportive partner in the John Deere chase, loved her husband’s obsession with the Deere brand and considered his passion for the equipment manufacturer a blessing. “I loved his fondness of John Deere. It made him an easy person to buy for,” Pam said with a laugh. “Dishes, clothes, jewelry, Merry Moos, plates, toys, clocks, metal and neon signs, pictures, bird houses, you name it. If it was Deere-branded, Keith needed to have it.” While both of the Ziermanns grew up on farms, the collecting phase for Keith didn’t come about until later on in life, when the loving couple purchased their home and Keith realized their new address was 3010—a popular John Deere model and a sign from above that Keith needed to acquire such a robust machine. From that point forward, the accumulation of Deere products was forged in stone, with Keith going on to obtain three tractors, then six, finally ending up with a total of 21 beautiful vintage John Deere tractors, 18 of which are set for the Mecum auction block. “He would go to auctions or private sale parties, and it just happened to turn into a whole collection,” Pam said. “Keith built a nice big shed to store them, and the rest was history.” With tractors ranging from a 1945 John Deere H to a 1968 model 2510, Keith made it his mission to maintain the steel steeds and flaunt his appreciation for the Deere brand in any way possible. Even the lights lining the driveway toward the house showcased Keith’s true passion for the brand, with yellow and green lamps shining bright for any passerby to appreciate. JOHN DEERE STORY BY BRIAN THALHAMMER Dear THE KEITH ZIERMANN COLLECTION OF 18 NO RESERVE JOHN DEERE TRACTORS HEADS FOR THE FALL PREMIER
