MONROE — One of the premiere Midwest tractor pulling events, The Green County Fall Nationals, will go on this year, but many longtime fans and volunteers will come to this year’s event with heavy hearts.
That’s because one of the major supporters of the event and the tight-knit area pulling community won’t be there to join in the festivities — Michael “Mike” John Meier recently succumbed to cancer at the age of 53.
“We will be thinking of him, definitely,” said Mark Hawthorn, who along with his mother Jo Hawthorn, hosts the 2025 pull, now in its 19th year at the Green County Fairgrounds.
To honor Meier, pull organizers, are planning to roll one of his beloved tractors onto the grandstand track bearing the American flag. The event kicks off at noon on September 13, and tickets are still available.
For many, the loud and high-powered event — with engines pushing 3,500 horsepower — has come to symbolize an end to the summer outdoor festival season in the area.
“It’s kind of one last thing to do,” said Hawthorn. “One last hurrah for the season.”
“We will be thinking of him, definitely.”Mark Hawthorn, co-host of the 19th Annual Green County Fall Nationals
Meier, a member of Tri State Truck and Tractor Pullers and a very proud member of Badger State Tractor Pullers since 2005, knew his way around an engine and tractor — he built a pair of pulling tractors, one called Double Trouble (International 5488) and the other, 466 XX Press (International 1466).
His obituary alluded to the care he put into his builds:
“He was a skilled and meticulous artisan who was renowned for his accuracy and attention to detail in each aspect of the construction. Mike was a true competitor in the sport, and his years of expertise allowed him to read the track and make expert decisions about everything from weight placement to gear selection…”
A neighbor, Bradon Drafall, said he had gotten to know Mike Meier and his family well over many years, coming to see him as dependable neighbor, worker, and friend, who did not speak a lot, but meant what he said when he did — and usually knew what he was talking about. The two farm families helped each other mightily each season, with “Big John” Meier, Mike’s Dad, and the family patriarch, years ago agreeing to combine Drafall’s corn, while Drafall used his baler to bale Meier’s hay.
When he first received his cancer diagnosis, Drafall said, Mike Meier, would be reticent to discuss it and went out of his way to minimize his struggle and prognosis — that was just his way.
“He never wanted you to feel bad for him, never,” said Drafall. “He was humble, and when you said something to him, he really listened.”
Hawthorn and Drafall both mentioned the care with which he crafted custom, aluminum International-style fenders, selling them nationwide — a commitment to the sport that endeared him to a larger family.
“In the pulling community, Mike and Brandi (Mike’s wife) discovered a second family and enduring friendships,” said the obituary.
That might be an understatement, according to Meier’s mother, Ursula, who said her son put into fall nationals the same stout work ethic he applied to even the smallest or most mundane tasks.
“He liked to work, and worked a lot, all of our kids are like that,” she said. “It didn’t matter if it was baling hay or what, he liked to keep going.”
“He loved his family, he loved tractor pulling, and he absolutely loved his wife, Brandi.”Ursula Meier, Mike’s mother
According to the Hawthorns, the tractor pull event attracts some of the most well-known pullers across the region, and many nearby states. Categories include: 540 Light Pro, Super Farm, Diesel Super Stock Truck, Pro Stock, Light Limited Super Stock, 466 Hot Farm, 4.1 Limited Pro, and two-wheel drive MOD Truck.
The non-profit behind the pull has provided more than $500,000 in donations to needy people across the area for everything from $1,000 grants to local food pantries, a gift certificate to help to a family with a member with cancer, temporary help following a trailer fire, gas cards to help those traveling for vital medical treatment elsewhere, and other needs.
In fact, there is a complete list of donations and charitable organizations that have benefited from funds generated by the pull on the group’s web site. The site also lists many other charities supported by the organization.
Those close to Mike Meier, said he would want the Green County Fall Nationals to grow and thrive — even if he’s no longer there to help them see to the details.
“He loved his family, he loved tractor pulling, and he absolutely loved his wife, Brandi,” said Ursula Meier. “We are all missing him so much.”
