The Commercial Review

Mike Watson, 54, from Hemlock, Michigan, poses next to a portion of his display during the Tri State Tractor and Engine Association's Spring Swap and Sell Meet on May 14, 2025, in Portland, Indiana. Watson has been attending the show for 25 years. In addition to these two John Deere snowmobiles, he has 40 more John Deere vehicles back home. (The Commercial Review/Lindy Mercer)

In addition to his AMT 600, Watson also owns a vintage toy replica of the vehicle. Another part of Watson's collection, that didn't make it to the show, is one of each John Deere model made from 1963-1967. From 1968-1974 John Deere changed to a different body style, which Watson also has a few of. (The Commercial Review/Lindy Mercer)

In addition to the bicycles, John Deere also manufactured helmets. Mike Watson owns three helmets made by John Deere and one custom-made "Big John" helmet. (The Commercial Review/Lindy Mercer)

Part of Watson's collection includes a John Deere 1988 AMT 600. In 1987, John Deere began manufacturing All Material Transport (AMT) as its first venture into all terrain vehicles. (The Commercial Review/Lindy Mercer)

$John Deere has manufactured several different chainsaw models since the 1930s, and Mike Watson is the owner of 20 different models. These vintage chainsaws are just a fraction of Watson's impressive John Deere collection. (The Commercial Review/Lindy Mercer)$

John Deere has manufactured several different chainsaw models since the 1930s, and Mike Watson is the owner of 20 different models. These vintage chainsaws are just a fraction of Watson's impressive John Deere collection. (The Commercial Review/Lindy Mercer)

Mike Watson worked for The Dow Chemical Company in Midland, Michigan, for 23 years. He worked as a millwright in the maintenance department. Since his retirement four years ago, he restores John Deere equipment, collects vintage items, and travels to meets full-time. (The Commercial Review/Lindy Mercer)

To me, this is like going to Disney World, said Mike Watson regarding the Tri State Tractor and Engine show meets. "Portland is like a second home to me." Watson is attending a meet in Wisconsin in June, Classic Green, then he will be back in Portland in August for the annual Tractor and Engine show, then he will be attending a meet in Kahlia, Michigan, in September, and finally back to Portland in October for the Tri State Association's Fall Swap and Sell meet. (The Commercial Review/Lindy Mercer)

In addition to his personal collection, Mike Wason is also a committee member for Classic Green. Classic Green is an annual John Deere exhibition. Watson had a banner at his site advertising the event. (The Commercial Review/Lindy Mercer)

Herd of Deere (5/17/2025)

May 16, 2025 at 9:31 p.m.