In the quiet winter landscape of South Dakota, where open fields stretch endlessly beneath wide skies, a simple act of creativity transformed an ordinary snowfall into something extraordinary.
What began as a routine winter day on a family farm quickly became a moment of shared joy for thousands of people across the globe.
Prunty Farms, a fifth-generation family farming operation, captured widespread attention after sharing a video that combined tradition, skill, and modern technology in a uniquely heartfelt way. The video showed farmer Dan Prunty carefully guiding his John Deere 6400 tractor through nearly ten inches of fresh snow, carving the words “Merry Christmas” in elegant, flowing cursive across a snow-covered field.
Filmed from above by his son, Adam Prunty, using a drone, the footage offered a breathtaking aerial perspective that revealed the message gradually taking shape. The result was both visually stunning and deeply personal, turning a rural landscape into a canvas for holiday spirit.
A Farm Rooted in Generations of Tradition
Prunty Farms is not just any agricultural operation. Located in South Dakota, it represents more than a century of dedication to the land, passed down through five generations of the same family.
Like many family farms in the region, it has weathered countless seasons, economic shifts, and technological changes while maintaining a strong connection to its roots.
For the Prunty family, farming is not merely a profession—it is a way of life. Each generation has contributed its own knowledge, skills, and values, blending respect for tradition with a willingness to adapt.
This balance between old and new is evident in the farm’s daily operations and was perfectly reflected in the holiday video that captured the internet’s attention.
An Idea Sparked by Snow and Imagination
The idea for the snow message emerged naturally, inspired by the pristine blanket of snow that covered the fields after a winter storm.
Ten inches of untouched snow provided the perfect surface—smooth, bright, and expansive. Rather than viewing it as an obstacle to daily work, the Prunty family saw an opportunity.
Dan Prunty, a seasoned farmer with decades of experience operating heavy machinery, took on the challenge of transforming the snow into art.
Using his John Deere 6400 tractor—a dependable piece of equipment familiar to many farmers—he carefully planned each movement needed to form the cursive lettering.
Writing words legibly with a tractor is no simple task. Unlike drawing on paper, each turn must be calculated in advance, and there is no easy way to erase a mistake.
The scale alone presents a challenge, requiring precision, spatial awareness, and steady control.
Capturing the Moment From Above
While Dan focused on the ground-level execution, his son Adam handled the creative documentation. Adam has been filming farm life using drone technology for several years, developing a hobby that allows him to showcase the beauty, complexity, and rhythm of rural living from a fresh perspective.
For this project, Adam first walked the route himself, mapping out the curves and spacing needed to create smooth, readable cursive letters.
This rehearsal allowed him to visualize the final design and identify any potential challenges before his father took over the tractor.
Once Dan began driving, Adam piloted the drone overhead, carefully tracking the tractor’s path. The aerial footage revealed something that could not be fully appreciated from the ground: the gradual emergence of a perfectly spaced holiday message, written with remarkable consistency and flow.
The finished video, titled “Deere Tracks,” was shared online and quickly resonated with viewers. The combination of clean white snow, dark tractor tracks, and graceful lettering created a striking visual that felt both calming and joyful.
Freehand Skill and Farming Precision
One of the most impressive aspects of the project was that it was done entirely freehand. There were no GPS guides, no pre-programmed routes, and no digital overlays.
The entire message relied on Dan Prunty’s ability to translate an imagined design into precise movements across a vast field.
This kind of control is a skill developed over years of farming, where operators must constantly judge distances, angles, and spacing while working with large machinery.
Tasks such as planting, harvesting, and field preparation demand a high level of accuracy, even if they are not often recognized as artistic.
In this case, those everyday skills were applied in a creative way, demonstrating that farming involves not only physical labor but also careful planning, patience, and craftsmanship.
A Video That Resonated Far Beyond the Farm
Once shared, the “Deere Tracks” video quickly gained traction online. Viewers were drawn to its simplicity and originality. Many commented that it was refreshing to see creativity emerge from a rural setting, using tools typically associated with hard work rather than art.
The video introduced many people to the concept of tractor snow art, something few had encountered before. For others, it evoked nostalgia, reminding them of life in agricultural communities or family traditions centered around the land.
Beyond its visual appeal, the video conveyed a sense of warmth and authenticity. It was not a commercial production or a marketing campaign, but a genuine expression of holiday cheer created by a family doing what they know best.
Blending Tradition With Modern Technology
At its core, the project represented a seamless blend of tradition and innovation. The tractor, the field, and the farming skills all came from generations of agricultural experience.
The drone and digital sharing platforms, however, reflected modern tools that allow rural stories to reach a global audience.
Adam Prunty’s ongoing use of drone footage has become a meaningful way to document farm life. His videos offer viewers a rare glimpse into the rhythms of agriculture—planting, harvesting, snowfall, and quiet moments in between—through a perspective that was not possible just a few decades ago.
By combining this technology with family tradition, Adam has helped preserve and share the identity of Prunty Farms in a way that feels both contemporary and deeply rooted.
A Message Beyond the Holidays
While the words “Merry Christmas” were specific to the season, the message behind the video extended beyond any single holiday.
It served as a reminder that creativity does not require expensive tools or elaborate setups. Sometimes, it emerges from simply looking at familiar surroundings in a new way.
The project also highlighted the importance of family collaboration. Each member played a role—Dan with his driving skill, Adam with his planning and filming, and the broader family supporting the idea.
Together, they created something meaningful that reflected who they are and where they come from.
The Power of Simple Joy
In a time when online content often feels overwhelming or divisive, the Prunty Farms video stood out for its simplicity. There was no controversy, no argument—just a peaceful winter landscape transformed into a greeting meant to be shared.
Viewers from around the world responded positively, leaving comments about how the video made them smile or reminded them of the quieter joys of the season. For many, it offered a moment of calm and connection during a busy and often stressful time of year.
A Lasting Impression
Though the snow eventually melted and the field returned to its usual purpose, the impact of the project remained. The video continues to circulate, reminding people that creativity can flourish anywhere—even in a frozen field on a working farm.
For Prunty Farms, the moment was not about going viral, but about sharing something genuine. It reinforced the idea that farming is not only about producing crops, but also about stewardship, creativity, and community.
A Celebration of Rural Life
Ultimately, “Deere Tracks” became more than a holiday video. It became a celebration of rural life, family heritage, and the quiet artistry found in everyday work.
By blending farming skill, generational tradition, and modern technology, the Prunty family delivered a simple yet powerful message—one that traveled far beyond South Dakota.
Etched into fresh snow and shared through a camera lens, their holiday greeting reminded the world that beauty, creativity, and joy can appear in the most unexpected places.
