15 things to know about upcoming Farm Progress Show
Written by admin on August 30, 2009 – 4:38 pm -By Christine Des Garennes
DECATUR – You've been to every Farm Progress Show since you could wear overalls.
Whatever your motivation for going to the Farm Progress Show, a packed day at the Decatur event could include checking out the latest tractors, attending a horse training seminar, picking up landscaping ideas and eating barbecue chicken sandwiches.
"Everybody is familiar with the Chicago Auto Show or the Detroit Auto Show, where the latest (car and truck) models are rolled out. That's what this is for the ag industry," said Matt Jungmann, national show manager for the Farm Progress Cos.
The Farm Progress Show runs Tuesday through Thursday on a sprawling site east of Decatur on and adjacent to Richland Community College. It has been held there every other year since 2005. (On alternate years the show is held in Iowa.)
The Farm Progress Show covers 640 acres on the east side of Decatur near Richland Community College. The show features vendor displays of agriculture equipment, technology, chemicals, seeds and supplies and field demonstrations. By John Dixon
The recession has changed the show's exhibitor list a little (you'll notice fewer or smaller exhibits by Detroit-based companies), but their absence has been more than made up by bigger tents and displays by agricultural giants such as DowAgroSciences and Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Jungmann said.
The Farm Progress company does not give out information on visitor numbers. But marketing specialist Dena Morgan said law enforcement agencies have estimated total crowds over the three days at around 300,000.
It's a big deal.
"It gets better every time we come back to Decatur. Coming back to Decatur is like coming home," Jungmann said.
Last week, members of the media, including The News-Gazette, were given a tour of the site as preparations were under way. As you prepare to attend what some have dubbed the "Super Bowl of Agriculture," here's a list of what's new as well as don't-miss events and attractions at the show.
1. Before you leave home, bring along some canned goods. The United Way of Decatur & Mid Illinois, Farm Progress Cos. and Monsanto have organized a food drive. Drop off nonperishable food at the United Way tent near the main entrance gate. For every pound of food donated, Monsanto will donate $1, up to $20,000.
2. Don't forget to bring cash. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for teens 13 to 17 and free for children 12 and under. If you need more money, there's an ATM in the hospitality tent. Pick up your program guide at one of the many Sukup information booths (miniature grain bins) placed throughout the show site.
Also new this year are the huge television screens at the main west entrance, Central Avenue and Sixth Street and the north end of Central Avenue. They'll post event schedules and other information.
3. "Antiques row" is on 12th Street. This is the place to take a look at old tractors and other vintage farm equipment. "It's an interesting way to view the event," Jungmann said. Start here, then move on over a street and you're greeted by the latest in 21st-century agriculture.
4. Speaking of brand-spanking new, equipment manufacturer New Holland is reportedly unveiling something big. Even Jungmann doesn't know what it is, and he said he won't know until it arrives on-site. The company's display is on 10th Street.
5. Other "Big Iron" don't-misses include John Deere and AGCO. Both will be showing off new products, Jungmann said.
6. New this year are the lumberjack shows, which will be held three times a day on the north end of the show site. There will be ax-throwing contests, log rolling and other feats. "It should be a fun and fast-paced event," Morgan said.
7. Has it been a while since you've had a checkup? Have your blood pressure checked at the health and safety tent at 12th Street and Central Avenue. Other health screening will be available there.
8. You can learn about the latest seed technology along 11th Street. See the plants yourself; this year the plots are right behind the tents.
9. Energy grasses such as switchgrass and miscanthus have been growing in a plot on the show site since 2005, but this year there will be a display about the grasses as well as the type of equipment used to harvest the grasses used for fuel. Look for them on 12th Street.
10. Think you know your agriculture? Swing by "Ag Jeopardy" from 11 a.m. to noon daily in the rural life tent.
11. If you went to the 2007 show in Decatur, you probably remember it was a scorcher. On one day the air temperature reached a cool 97 degrees, Jungmann said. Several exhibitors this year, such as Monsanto and Pioneer, will have air-conditioned tents. Show organizers have also erected some shelters throughout the site to provide shelter from the sun.
12. Students from several Illinois schools, including the University of Illinois, Southern Illinois University at Carbondale and Illinois State University, will compete in a tractor-pull contest at 10 a.m. Tuesday.
13. Colleen Callahan, Illinois director for rural development at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, will deliver several talks about her department and what kind of grants are available. Some other talks in the seminar tent on Sixth Street include, "Is Ag the New Currency of Choice?" and "Follow the Money."
14. The big entertainment event of the week will be country music singer Darryl Worley's concert. It starts at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday. Don't forget your lawn chairs. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 on the day of the show.
15. The show this year is selling Farm Progress Show souvenirs. You can buy scale-model farm equipment, T-shirts and pins at the hospitality tent.
Tags: Farm Economy, Tractors
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