By CINDY LADAGE
Illinois Correspondent

ORLANDO, Fla. — Sherry Schaefer, editor of Heritage Iron, a muscle tractor publication for farm equipment from the 1960-85 era and Oliver Heritage, an Oliver collector publication, was one of the Midwest vendors at the first ever Ag Connect Exposition Jan. 12-15.
The Assoc. of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), creator of AG Connect, referred to it as “a North American-based agriculture event that reflects the advanced, global nature of our industry and celebrates the fact that agriculture feeds, clothes and helps fuel the world.”

This show was fitting for the AEM to roll out information about several new products. While Schaefer loves old iron, she has great respect for the new equipment as well, and talked about what AG Connect had to offer.

“Most of the major manufacturers were on hand to introduce new products,” she explained. “Sunflower had their new five-section, 50-foot disk there and it hasn’t been introduced yet. AGCO had one of their Legacy Series DT tractors on hand as well, and a wonderful Heritage presentation revolving around the Massey legacy.

“Winning my vote for the most extravagant display was Case IH, no question about it. They went above and beyond and kept everyone interested with their array of operating displays.

“This was really a high-end show,” she continued, “targeted for the large operator or for equipment dealers. When you weren’t walking around looking at equipment, there were a lot of seminars to attend, ranging from ‘Renewable Fuels Revolutionizing Agriculture’ to ‘Harvesting the Wind.’

“In addition to being a show for the farm operator, it was also the location of the Second World Summit on Agriculture Machinery. This was a formal meeting with several countries in attendance, as well as CEOs of many of the equipment manufacturers.”

Almost every type of commodity was represented at the AG Connect show. AEM stated that representatives from the following interests were present at this international North American showcase for agriculture: barley, beef, corn, soybean, wheat, cotton, dairy, fruits, vegetables, grain/feed, hay/alfalfa, hogs, rice, sorghum, specialty crops, sugar beets and sugar cane.

Besides American staples, ag goods from countries such as Argentina, Brazil, Canada, China, Italy and Europe were represented at the 2010 show.

Wrapping it up, Schaefer said, “AgConnect is just what the name implies: Connecting with those in agriculture. This show is about introducing the successful producer to the best equipment and techniques available to make his job more profitable. It’s shows like this that make you realize you’re not alone in your field.”
Information about AG Connect may be found online at www.agconnect.com and information about Heritage Iron is available at www.heritageiron.com