On a quiet stretch of open land in South Dakota, a simple winter morning turned into something extraordinary. The fields at Prunty Farms lay blanketed under nearly ten inches of fresh, untouched snow, the kind that softens sound and makes the world feel paused. For most people, it would have been just another cold day in the heart of winter. But for one farming family, it became the perfect canvas for a message that would soon capture the attention of people far beyond their rural community.
Prunty Farms is not new to hard work or tradition. It is a fifth-generation family farm, built on decades of early mornings, long seasons, and deep respect for the land. Farming there is not just a business but a way of life passed down from parents to children, shaped by patience and persistence. On this particular day, that legacy met a spark of creativity in a way no one expected.
Using a John Deere 6400 tractor, farmer Dan Prunty slowly guided his machine across the snowy field. Instead of plowing or hauling equipment, he traced elegant, flowing letters into the white surface. From above, the words came together clearly and beautifully: “Merry Christmas,” written in smooth cursive that stretched across the field like a handwritten note from the land itself. It was bold yet gentle, simple yet unforgettable.
The scene was captured from the air by Dan’s son, Adam Prunty, who filmed the entire process using a drone. From that vantage point, viewers could see every careful turn of the tractor and every curve of each letter. The video, later titled “Deere Tracks,” showed the message forming slowly, as if the snow itself were being signed by the farm. The contrast between the crisp white snow and the dark tracks of the tractor made the words impossible to miss.
What made the moment even more impressive was the fact that the design was done freehand. There were no GPS guides or digital maps directing the tractor’s path. Adam later explained that he first walked the route himself, planning the shape of each letter in his mind. Once he was confident, his father climbed into the tractor and recreated the entire design while Adam piloted the drone above. The result was a perfect blend of planning, trust, and skill.
As soon as the video was shared online, it began to spread quickly. Viewers were drawn in by the peaceful beauty of the snowy field and the unexpected creativity behind the message. Many people commented that they had never seen anything like it before. Others were simply moved by the warmth of a holiday greeting delivered in such a unique and thoughtful way. In a season often filled with noise and rush, the video felt calm and sincere.
For Adam, the project was not a sudden idea but part of an ongoing passion. For several years, he has been using drone footage to document life on the farm. What began as a hobby gradually turned into a way to share the reality of farming with a wider audience. His videos show planting, harvesting, changing weather, and quiet moments that often go unseen by those far from rural areas. Through his lens, modern technology becomes a bridge between tradition and the present day.
The “Deere Tracks” video highlights that balance perfectly. On one hand, it features classic farming equipment and skills learned over a lifetime. On the other, it relies on modern tools like drones and social media to tell the story. Together, they show that innovation does not replace tradition but can enhance it. The Prunty family did not abandon their roots; they found a new way to express them.
There is also something deeply human about the message itself. Writing “Merry Christmas” in the snow was not about promotion or profit. It was a simple gesture meant to spread joy. The fact that it resonated with so many people speaks to a shared desire for connection, especially during the holidays. In a world often dominated by fast-moving headlines, this quiet act stood out because it felt genuine.
The snowy message eventually faded, as all things in nature do. Wind, sunlight, and time slowly erased the carefully drawn letters. Yet the impact of the moment remains. The video continues to be shared, reminding viewers that creativity does not require elaborate resources or grand stages. Sometimes, it only takes a tractor, a fresh snowfall, and a family willing to try something different.
Prunty Farms’ viral moment serves as a reminder that beauty can be found in everyday work and familiar places. By combining farming skill, family collaboration, and modern technology, the Pruntys created something that went far beyond a seasonal greeting. They offered a moment of calm, a spark of wonder, and a message of goodwill etched briefly into the snow and lasting much longer in the hearts of those who saw it.
