First published in 2015, the heartwarming story of Prunty Farms in South Dakota has continued to captivate viewers each winter. The fifth-generation family farm gained national attention for a unique project that combined holiday cheer, creativity, and a deep connection to the land. Farmer Dan Prunty used his John Deere 6400 tractor to carve the words “Merry Christmas” into a vast, snow-covered field, transforming the farm’s winter landscape into an enormous seasonal greeting visible from above.

The project, aptly named “Deere Tracks,” was filmed by Dan’s son, Adam, who piloted a drone to capture the scene from the sky. From this aerial perspective, the tractor’s path unfolded like a living painting across the snow, each turn and curve forming an elegant message that stretched across the frozen fields. The combination of scale and precision created a visual spectacle that blended art, agriculture, and holiday spirit in one striking image.

No stencils, computer programs, or guides were used to create the message. Dan relied entirely on experience, patience, and an instinctive understanding of the land he has farmed for decades. Adam, who conceptualized the design, described the process as “just something simple and joyful we wanted to share.” For father and son, the project was as much about bonding and family tradition as it was about the final visual outcome.

When Adam posted the video online, it quickly went viral. People from across the country and around the world responded to the project with delight, touched not only by the artistry of the snow-carved message but by the sincerity and warmth it conveyed. For many viewers, “Deere Tracks” offered a glimpse of rural life that was authentic, joyful, and deeply connected to family and seasonal traditions.

The project also highlighted the balance between labor and creativity inherent in farming life. Adam’s ongoing work documenting life on Prunty Farms through drone footage showcases both the beauty of everyday agricultural work and the innovative ways the family approaches their craft. “Deere Tracks” became a perfect symbol of this balance — a harmonious blend of heritage, hard work, and imagination.

What began as a simple winter experiment has since become a timeless reminder of the magic that can be found in ordinary moments. In a frozen field, with only a tractor, snow, and open hearts, the Prunty family crafted a message that continues to inspire joy and gratitude. Their story demonstrates that even in the quietest corners of the world, creativity, connection, and holiday cheer can bloom, leaving an enduring mark on those fortunate enough to witness it.