Students restore antique tractors, preserve agricultural heritage

By Camille DeVaul · Thu Aug 06 2026

Gavin Switzer.JPG

Atascadero High School student Gavin Switzer, who restored this 1952 Allis-Chalmers WD that has been in his family since 1955, won third place in the JB Dewar Tractor Restoration Education Program. Photo courtesy of JB Dewar Tractor Restoration Education Program

Luke Johnsen.JPG

Atascadero High School student Luke Johnsen won second place in the JB Dewar Tractor Restoration Education Program after restoring this 1956 International Harvester Farmall Cub. Photo courtesy of JB Dewar Tractor Restoration Education Program

JB Dewar Tractor Restoration Education Program blends hands-on learning, competition for North County youth

NORTH COUNTY — Antique tractors, some more than a century old, are finding new life in the hands of local high school students through the JB Dewar Tractor Restoration Education Program, a local competition that teaches mechanical skills while preserving agricultural heritage.

Since its launch in 2000, the program has given students from San Luis Obispo County and northern Santa Barbara County the opportunity to restore vintage tractors from the ground up while developing practical skills in mechanics, welding, painting, budgeting, record keeping, public speaking, and project management.

Tractor Restoration Education Program Coordinator Cindy Bevans told Paso Robles Press, "Each year, students take on the challenge of finding, restoring, and bringing an old tractor back to life. Their hard work, dedication, and determination are showcased on Competition Day, where they present their tractors, record books, and restoration journey."

During the California Mid-State Fair in July, students displayed their tractors and winners for this year's program run were announced. The annual competition challenges students to complete three equally weighted components: restoring an antique tractor, documenting the entire process in a detailed workbook, and presenting their project before a panel of judges. Each category accounts for one-third of the final score.

Participants document every step of the restoration, including expenses, labor hours, before-and-after photographs, and detailed reports on mechanical repairs. Students even include a story from their restoration journey before presenting their finished projects during judging. Judges evaluate each restoration on appearance, mechanical work and safety, while also assessing the students' understanding of the restoration process during their oral presentations.

The program also offers substantial scholarships and prize money, with first place earning $4,000, second place receiving $3,000, and third place taking home $2,000.

This year's competition featured a talented group of young restorers representing communities across the North County.

"We are honored to have these young men and women representing the future of agriculture, mechanics, and our community," Bevans said.

Taking first place were recent Paso Robles High School graduates Christopher Jewett and Leo St. Martin, who teamed up to restore a 1951 Farmall Super C. Jewett has competed in SkillsUSA for Power Equipment Technology since 2024 and has been accepted into the Quinn Company's ThinkBIG Program. St. Martin is active in FFA, participates in leadership and public speaking events, and enjoys metal fabrication and raising cattle.

Second-place honors went to Atascadero High School student Luke Johnsen, whose passion for antique tractors began while spending time with his grandfather, Jan. He restored a 1956 International Harvester Farmall Cub. Johnsen became involved with the Paso Robles Pioneer Day Tractor Committee at just 12 years old and eventually had the opportunity to drive a Caterpillar tractor in the Pioneer Day Parade. Today, he continues to build on that early interest while remaining active in 4-H, where he has developed leadership and public speaking skills.

Third place was awarded to Atascadero High School student Gavin Switzer, who restored a 1952 Allis-Chalmers WD that has remained in his family since 1955. The tractor was originally purchased by his great-great-grandfather, making the restoration both a mechanical challenge and a way to preserve a treasured piece of family history. Switzer credits his grandfather, whom he calls "Papa," for inspiring his love of farming and antique equipment.

Templeton High School student Raymond Dubost placed fourth after restoring a 1942 Ford 9N. Organizers noted that Dubost narrowly missed third place by less than a single point. A sixth-generation farmer, Dubost enjoys woodworking, cross country, track and field, hunting, and fly fishing. His restoration experience has inspired him to return to the program next year with another antique tractor project.

Also participating were Jacob Day and Braden Wheeler. While Wheeler's 1924 Best 30 crawler tractor was unable to participate in the CMSF parade because of its track-driven design, organizers recognized his remarkable achievement of completing four tractor restorations in four years through the program. His previous restorations include a 1929 McCormick-Deering 10-20, a 1918 International 10-20, and an Allis-Chalmers B. Wheeler will continue pursuing his passion at McPherson College in Kansas, where he plans to study automotive restoration.

The program is open to students in grades 9 through 12, ages 14 to 19, throughout San Luis Obispo County and northern Santa Barbara County. Students who don't already have a tractor to restore can be provided with one, and experienced volunteers mentor participants throughout the restoration process.

As each restored tractor rolls into competition, it represents more than polished sheet metal and rebuilt engines. It reflects months of dedication, problem-solving, and craftsmanship while ensuring that pieces of California's agricultural history continue to run for future generations.

Bevans added, "A special thank you goes out to our sponsors, mentors, families, and supporters who make this program possible."

For more information on participating in the JB Dewar Tractor Restoration Education Program or to get involved as a sponsor, visit jbdewar.com

Feature Image: Paso Robles High School graduates Christopher Jewett and Leo St. Martin took first place in the JB Dewar Tractor Restoration Education Program, teaming up to restore a 1951 Farmall Super C. Theirs and other tractors were displayed last month at the California Mid-State Fair in Paso Robles. Photo courtesy of JB Dewar Tractor Restoration Education Program