First published in 2015, this story celebrates creativity, tradition, and holiday cheer from Prunty Farms, a fifth-generation family farm in South Dakota. The family gained widespread attention with their “tractor snow art,” where farmer Dan Prunty skillfully used his John Deere 6400 tractor to carve “Merry Christmas” into a snowy field.
The video, titled “Deere Tracks,” was filmed by Dan’s son, Adam, using a drone. From above, the footage revealed the intricate cursive design etched into 10 inches of snow. Adam practiced the path himself before filming his father’s final run, describing the project as a freehand creative effort.
The mesmerizing video quickly went viral, introducing audiences to the unexpected art of tractor snow writing. Its combination of farming precision, artistic flair, and holiday warmth struck a chord with viewers. The drone footage offered a breathtaking bird’s-eye view of the message sparkling against the white landscape.
For the Pruntys, this was part of a larger passion. Adam had been capturing the beauty of farm life since buying a drone two years earlier, turning everyday agricultural scenes into compelling visual stories.
Deere Tracks shows how modern technology can enhance tradition, blending nostalgia with innovation. More than a viral sensation, it’s a reminder that joy and creativity can flourish anywhere—even in frozen fields—when passion and family tradition come together in the spirit of the holidays.