When Jesse Jackson led 50 tractors: A former KQ2 reporter looks back
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV)-- Jay Weiland still remembers one of the most memorable stories he covered during his time as a reporter at KQ2.
One of them involved Rev. Jesse Jackson, a civil rights activist, who died at 84-years old on Tuesday.
In April 1986, farmers across Northwest Missouri were facing a wave of foreclosures. Tensions were high and protests had already begun in March outside the United States Department of Agriculture office in Chillicothe, Missouri.
“In April, Jesse Jackson visited to help lead a protest. He was in Chillicothe, and I believe it was Sunday and he drove the lead tractor of 50 tractors in the protest against foreclosure,” Weiland said.
details Jesse Jackson's visit to Chillicothe in the 80s. Courtesy of the St. Joseph News-Press via Newspapers.com.
The farmers were calling for more federal aid. They also talked about building a coalition between “eaters and feeders” — meaning the people who grow the food and the people who buy it.
The idea was to unite producers and consumers around the crisis farmers were facing.
Weiland was there covering the event for KQTV. After that day, the protest didn’t just fade away — tractors remained parked in front of the USDA building throughout the summer as a visible sign of frustration and resistance.
“It was a sign of protest in front of the USDA building. But Jesse Jackson was there that day, and it was a wonderful little sight,” Weiland said.
showcases Jesse Jackson driving a tractor.
Courtesy of the St. Joseph Gazette via Newspapers.com.
Even though he didn’t get a chance to speak with Jackson one-on-one — he was working solo at the time — Weiland considers it one of the highlights of his career at KQ2.
It was a difficult period for farmers, he said, but Jackson’s visit brought national attention to the region, including nearby St. Joseph.
“That time they were having a Farm Aid with Willie Nelson, I believe had been percolating around that time and a little before the early 80s, and it was all a big crisis back then, which people may not realize now,” Weiland added.
Looking back, he emphasized how meaningful it was to see a nationally known figure come to their community and shine a spotlight on an issue that was deeply affecting local families.
