Subscriber content previewWill electric tractors gain traction? At a pilot event for farmers, researchers see possibilitiesResearchers think e-tractors could be ideal for smallholder farmers who are looking to be more sustainable. By MICHAEL PHILLIS, MELINA WALLING and JOSHUA A. BICKELAssociated PressMonarch Tractor photo [enlarge] Monarch Tractor offers machines that are fully electric powered and autonomous. EAST LANSING, Mich. — In the soft dirt of an indoor horseback riding ring last month, a group of farmers got ready to test drive a new piece of equipment: an electric tractor. login or purchase a To read this story in fullor purchase a subscription.