South Texas cotton and grain farmer Bobby Nedbalek stands in front of his 1960s-era John Deere 4020 tractor on March 5 in Sinton. This was the first tractor Nedbalek ever purchased. Blaine Young/Reporting Texas
Nedbalek walks in his field on March 5 in Sinton. Nedbalek said he hasn’t been able to plant his crops during the normal timeframe due to current weather conditions. Blaine Young/Reporting Texas
Nedbalek shows some of the technology on a newer John Deere tractor on March 5 in Sinton. High-tech tractors like this one, while more productive, are costly and time-consuming to repair because farmers are forced by major manufacturing companies to rely on company-authorized mechanics. Blaine Young/Reporting Texas
Nedbalek wears his Shoppa’s hat on March 5 in Sinton. Nedbalek used to work for John Deere. Blaine Young/Reporting Texas
Nedbalek in the driver's seat of a newer John Deere tractor on March 5 in Sinton. Blaine Young/Reporting Texas
Nedbalek shows some of his cotton on March 5 in Sinton. Blaine Young/Reporting Texas
Nedbalek opens up his 1960s-era John Deere 4020 tractor on March 5 in Sinton. Older tractors such as this one can be easier and cheaper to repair than the modern, high-tech ones the John Deere produces now. Blaine Young/Reporting Texas