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Revisit the past with vintage Successful Farming covers
Since our first issue in October 1902, the covers of Successful Farming magazine have depicted all aspects of farm life, including crops, livestock, machinery, business, and family.
Browse these collections of vintage covers and take a look back in time. While the cover designs have changed over time, our dedication to making farmers successful remains.
Celebrate spring
Spring is a time of hope on the farm. In this classic farm scene from May 1927, the farmer is perched on his tractor, hard at work planting his crop. Note the steel wheels on his tractor. Rubber tires weren't widely used on tractors until the early 1930s.
- READ MORE: Vintage springtime Successful Farming covers
Honoring Mom
Take a walk down memory lane and see how mothers and grandmothers were depicted on the cover of Successful Farming magazine in the early 20th century. Magazine and clothing styles may change over the years, but a mother’s love is forever.
- READ MORE: Successful Farming celebrates moms
School days
From the very first issue of Successful Farming in 1902, our magazine has been about more than just livestock, crops, and machinery. The quality of life of farm families has always been an important topic, including the education of farm children. These beautiful covers ranging from 1902 to 1959 provide a glimpse into school days of the past.
Harvest time
While technology and techniques have certainly changed since the mid-1900s, farmers still plan and pray for a successful and safe harvest. That will never change. See how harvest was depicted on our covers in the 1940s, '50s, and '60s.
The hunt is on
Hunting and farming go hand-in-hand. The topic has been covered in Successful Farming from the beginning, and has been featured on many covers, including these from 1911 through 1965.
Wartime covers
Here, a soldier identified as Private Jim Lucas of Kansas opens a delivery from home. The box contains wrapped gifts, homemade goodies, and a framed photo of Mother.
- READ MORE: Successful Farming covers: The World Wars
Give thanks
After the harvest is complete, it's time to give thanks. This cover from November 1927 is so comforting. Mom looks beautiful as she pulls the Thanksgiving turkey out of the oven, and Junior is the first to taste-test the bird.
- READ MORE: Successful Farming Thanksgiving covers
Merry Christmas!
Browsing through historical issues of Successful Farming magazine gives us a glimpse into the lives of farm families and Christmases past. Take some time to look at the details in each of these works of art from 1910 through 1945.
Revisiting a cover girl 75 years later
In the May 2018 issue of Successful Farming magazine, an article on the important role of farm women during wartime included a photo of our September 1943 issue, with 17-year-old Darlene Graf on the cover. She helped run her family’s Nebraska farm when the hired man left for a Defense job, as many hired men did. A friend of Darlene's put us in touch with her, and we interviewed her 75 years after her first appearance in Successful Farming.
Compare and contrast
Take a look back at 12 topics Successful Farming has tackled over the years. See how much technology — and styles — have changed. Hover over the slider in the center of each comparison, then click and drag right or left to reveal the entire cover.
- READ MORE: 12 covers of today and yesterday
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