2 July 2025

Reymer brothers mark 50 years of Fieldays Tractor Pull recreating a favourite photo 

For the Reymer family, Tractor Pull is more than a sport – it’s a family tradition. They are a familiar sight at Fieldays, having been involved with Fieldays Tractor Pull competitions since the inaugural competition in 1975.

During Fieldays in June, and in light of it being the 50th celebration of the competition, brothers Andrew, Stephen and Bill Reymer gathered to recreate a memorable photo that was captured 50 years ago on their Ōhaupō-based farm. The original image hangs proudly in the cow shed and shows the young Reymer brothers when they were recognised by Massey Ferguson and featured by farming editor Steven Searle in the local newspaper. 

Gathering at this year's prize-giving ceremony for the 50th Fieldays Tractor Pull, the photo was recreated with a replica Case IH Tractor made for Andrew Giltrap, Managing Director of Giltrap AgriZone.  

 “The Reymer family have been a driving force behind keeping the competition alive,” says New Zealand National Fieldays Society Venue Operations Manager Marie Rechner, who has helped coordinate the event for the past six years.

“It is good grassroots competition and friendly rivalry. Everyone comes together over the four days of Fieldays.” 

What began as a modest contest in 1975 with two-wheel drive tractors and manual gearboxes has become one of Fieldays' most beloved attractions, drawing big crowds to catch the competition on the 100 metres long, purpose-built sand track. 

“Tractor Pull is always a crowd favourite,” says Rechner. “The mud flies and the crowds line the bank.” 

Stephen, Bill and Andrew once famously swept the podium, taking home first, second, and third place. Andrew Reymer this year won the Pre-85 category for tractors that are standard agricultural tractors manufactured before 1st January 1985.  

The younger generation of Reymer’s are also involved now, with Stephen’s son Daniel Reymer taking over as organiser. Dan has been involved in the Fieldays competition for over a decade and competes too.  

“It’s great to see so many familiar faces still involved. A lot of them keep coming back year after year,” said Dan. 

Stephen’s other son Mike also competes, placing second in the Weight Adjusted category, where drivers and tractors raced against each other in the outside lanes of the track with a concrete block behind each of them. Whilst they did not place this year, Pat and Bill Reymer also competed in the 50th Anniversary competition. 

Stephen remains a committed volunteer, offering his technical expertise, helping on the track by hooking up chains and lending a hand wherever needed.  

The Reymer legacy lives on — with new tractors, familiar faces, and a community committed to keeping the sport thriving. 

Helping to power this year’s 50th anniversary celebrations was new Sponsor PTS Logistics, who joined returning Sponsors, Corson Maize and Giltrap AgriZone. 

Tractor Pull and Fieldays will be back at Mystery Creek next year, from Wednesday, June 10 to Saturday, June 13, 2026.