Farm Progress 2023, what’s in store?
This morning Keith and I attended the 2023 Farm Progress Show media day. The show will open on Tuesday, August 29th, and run through Thursday August 31st. The day opened with media gathering. Farm Progress Show’s Matt Jungmann, and Dena Morgan offered up some opening statements. “This is the 70th Farm Progress Show, and the 10th time it has been in December,” Matt said. “The first time the show was in Decatur was 2005.”
He added that the Farm Progress Show is where Ag policy is both shaped and shared! It is certainly where new agricultural innovations are unveiled! Plus, the show is just plain fun for farm folk!
The Tour
We took a tram ride throughout the show. Workers preparing fields, hammering displays together. Tents were ready to rise and become part of “tent city”. Flowers were being planted and watered, and the show was taking shape.
We learned some parent companies have pulled their companies under one roof rather than spreading them around. This seemed to be a theme throughout the show. Farm Next sounded interesting. They offer a variation of farm startup companies. This is where some new companies begin! At the Bayer tent they were pulling all their businesses under one roof. The thing to really note about the Bayer tent is IT IS AIRCONDITIONED!
Country singer Luke Bryant has been part of the Farm Progress Show both last show and this show. I was excited to hear him in an interview at the 2021 show. This year he has teamed up with Fendt, and produced a product he was sharing, peanuts. On the side of the sample can we received it shares, “Growing up on a peanut farm, I wanted to share my childhood memories with y’all in the boldest way possible….”
The flavors were bold like Siracha ranch, and dill! We can’t wait to try a bite or two. We will have to put on some Luke Bryant music when we sample!
Speaking of innovations, the Varied Industries tent is huge. It has expanded. It is the largest tent at the show. They said it is sold out and full, full, full. Many had already bought advance tickets. They are expecting visitors from all over the US, and 45 countries. Matt Youngman said both John Deere, and Case IH were expected to unveil new innovations during the show.
Many farmers will enjoy the field demonstrations. The corn planted was at 23% moisture when last measured!
The new Big Bud will be on display at the Titan tent. When we unloaded tractors today at the Half Century, I think I saw this amazing tractor!
Soybean Innovation
During our tour we they had a ribbon cutting at the Varied Industry tent which was profiling asphalt using soybeans. They are also spraying the roads using soybean dust control treatment. Lots of great ways to use our farm products.
100 Years of Farmall
During the Half Century of Progress they are celebrating 100 Years of Farmall. One of the IH tractors represent each year of production. On Monday the day before the show, 70 of the Farmalls will parade to the show. The 70 Farmalls represent the 70 years for the Farm Progress Show.
Show details to note.
Be on the lookout for the Richland food truck. Here culinary students will be serving up great food. Kawasaki is one of the companies with a ride and drive. They are unveiling their new Polaris Ranger. Big Iron auctions will have machinery on display. The equipment will then sell at an online auction after the show.
The Health & Safety Tent will offer hearing and vision screenings thanks to the Lions Club. Farm Safety will be the theme there as well.
Any time a visitor spies one of the huge light poles they will be able to find food and bathrooms.
Plan your visit to the Farm Progress Show right away. You will surely see something new!
