First published in 2015, this heartwarming story from Prunty Farms in South Dakota continues to spread joy each winter. The fifth-generation family farm gained national attention after sharing a video of their “tractor snow art,” in which farmer Dan Prunty used his John Deere 6400 to carve the words “Merry Christmas” into a pristine, snow-covered field.

The video, titled “Deere Tracks,” was filmed by Dan’s son, Adam, who guided a drone high above the farm to capture the sweeping motion of the tractor. From above, the scene unfolded like a painting in motion — a message of warmth and creativity against a vast white canvas.

No stencils or software were used. Instead, Dan relied on instinct, patience, and years of experience driving the same fields. Adam, who planned the design, said it was a shared moment between father and son — “just something simple and joyful we wanted to share.”

When posted online, the video spread quickly, resonating with people around the world. Viewers were touched not just by the artistry, but by the sincerity behind it — a glimpse of rural life infused with love, tradition, and holiday cheer.

For the Prunty family, the project reflected what they value most: creativity rooted in hard work and togetherness. Adam had already been documenting life on the farm through drone footage, highlighting beauty in everyday chores and landscapes.

His short films show how farming can be both labor and art — proof that innovation and heritage often walk hand in hand. “Deere Tracks” became the perfect symbol of that balance.

What began as a winter experiment turned into a timeless message of gratitude and family connection. Even in a frozen field, joy can bloom — shaped by steady hands, open hearts, and the quiet magic of home.