Gary Vermeer Legacy
In Search of a Better Way
In 1948, farmers everywhere were accustomed to using many of the same tools and technology used by their pioneer ancestors. Gary Vermeer was one of those farmers, but he was innovative and entrepreneurial.
Gary Vermeer's philosophy for success was simple: Find a need. Fill that need with a product built to last. And simply build the best!
He considered one of his greatest contributions to the agriculture industry to be the product he invented in 1971: the industry's first large round baler. The Vermeer large round baler revolutionized the way hay was put up, and is still revered as one of most important agricultural inventions.
Today, Vermeer manufactures equipment for the hay harvesting industry including a full line of balers, hay rakes, wheel rakes, tedders, mower/conditioner systems as well as tub and horizontal grinders, brush chippers, stump cutters and tree spades, horizontal directional drilling systems, mini skid steers, utility and track trenchers.
Document Archive
- Gary Vermeer Inducted into Iowa Inventor's Hall of Fame, 2009 (313.7K PDF)
- Vermeer 60th Anniversary Press Release, 2008 (1.2M PDF)
- Central Iowa Business - Vermeer Feature, 2008 (629.6K PDF)
- Iowa Commerce Magazine, 1998 (721.5K PDF)
- Vermeer Spotlight OEM Magazine, 1997 (995.4K PDF)
- Gary Vermeer Inducted into Construction Equipment Hall of Fame, 1996 (222.4K PDF)
- Iowa Business Guide Spotlight, 1996 (411.5K PDF)
- Gary Vermeer Receives Pella Community Service Award, 1977 (329.6K PDF)
Gary Vermeer, 1995
Vermeer family, 2007
Vermeer family, 2005
Gary and Matild on the 2006 Tulip Time float
Vermeer Manufacturing Company, 1948
Gary and grandson Jason at Vermeer 60th anniversary celebration
Gary and Bob celebrate the 85,000th Vermeer round baler
Bob, Mary and Gary in 2003
Vermeer 35th Anniversary Bob, Mary, Gary, Matilda and Stan
Vermeer Corporation, 2008
The Vermeer family, 1960
The pristine Canadian lake always had a trophy fish
Mary, Mindi, Allison, Jason, Gary and Bob in 2007
Larry Groenenboom and Gary used a one-row corn pick to harvest
In 1939 Gary built a cab for his Model D John Deere tractor
Harry, Gary and Ralph were on the board when the Foundation started
Gary's induction into the Construction Equipment Industry Hall of Fame
Gary, Matilda, Stan and Bob
Gary, Bob and Mary in 2004
Gary with President Ronald Reagan
Gary with his crossbow, 2005
Gary with grandson, Jason Andringa, and great grandson, Danny
Gary with 605H baler
Gary was a natural in front of a crowd
Gary speaking with Governor Robert Ray
Gary on a restored John Deer "A" during the Great Iowa Tractor Ride
Gary in his office, October 1973
Gary in his office, October 1973
Gary hauled corn in wagons long before combines did the job
Gary hauled corn in wagons long before combines did the job
Gary at a July 1982 industrial dealer meeting
Gary at a July 1982 industrial dealer meeting
Gary and Matilda Vermeer, February 14, 1941
Gary and Matilda Vermeer, February 14, 1941
Gary and Matilda Vermeer
Gary and Matilda Vermeer
Gary and Matilda in Egypt, 1963
Gary and Matilda in Egypt, 1963
Gary and his grandson Jason on the Model D tractor #487D
Gary and his grandchildren Jason and Mindi show off their catch
Gary and brother Elmer wanted a ladder, so they built one
Gary (seated on tractor) and Ralph test the Krusher Krimper
As a young boy, Gary was ready to farm, holding the reigns
