By STAN MADDUX Indiana Correspondent INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — A self-driving tractor and the latest in other cost-efficient technology during a period of continued thin profit margins should draw a great deal of interest among farmers during the 39th annual Indiana-Illinois Farm and Outdoor Power Equipment Show. The driverless tractor from Case IH will be among the new technologies showcased during the three-day event starting Dec. 12 inside the West Pavilion at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, said Gary Truitt, host of radio’s Hoosier Ag Today (HAT). Each day of the show, HAT is hosting seminars focused on areas including reducing the cost of weed control, the weather outlook for 2018 and futures markets. Large displays will also be set up by John Deere, Massey Ferguson and Caterpillar. More than 250 other agricultural companies such as Helena Chemical, Illiana Truck Parts and Clark Farm Drainage will have exhibits at the West Pavilion, which underwent a $7 million renovation and was completed in 2016. Farm service agencies like the USDA and Farm Bureau will also have a presence at the show that draws, on average, 12,000 people annually. Vendors from as far away as Canada – but mostly from Indiana, Illinois, Michigan and Ohio – will be there. Admission is free but there is a $5 cost for each vehicle to park at the fairgrounds. Truitt said the latest in seed and computer technology, along with other products aimed at reducing operating costs, are also coming and should draw considerable attention at a time when commodity prices are still slumping. “I think there will be a lot of interest in what they can find there to help them make their crops a little more profitable, and certainly their operations a little more efficient, during 2018,” he noted. Farmers holding off on major equipment purchases the past few years could also discover some of the new technology is affordable despite financially challenging times, because of discounts to generate sales. “Is now the time to invest, when you can get some pretty good deals on some of this equipment?” Truitt said. “That’s the balancing act, I think, for a lot of farmers: How to reduce your cost, but at the same time you want good yields. Getting less per bushel, you’re going to need to maintain those good yields.” The first seminar on Dec. 12 will feature Dr. Bill Johnson, extension weed specialist at Purdue University, presenting options for managing resistance and reducing the cost of weed control. The latest regulations imposed by the U.S. EPA on the use of dicamba herbicide products and how that will impact farmers in 2018 will also be covered. Farm Credit Mid-America will discuss loan and credit options for growers faced with having to be creative again in financing the cost of producing their 2018 crop. HAT Chief Meteorologist Ryan Martin during a Dec. 13 seminar will present the weather outlook for the 2018 growing season. Following him will be Dr. Chris Hurt, an agricultural economist from Purdue University, giving his economic and market forecast. On tap for the Dec. 14 seminar will be Bill Gentry of Risk Management Commodities in Lafayette, sharing trading and market strategies for 2018. Specifically, he will give advice on how to most profitably market the 2017 crop and how to develop a marketing plan for next year’s production. “One of the things we’re trying to focus on during our seminar series is giving guys the information and guidance to make that decision as to ‘what can I do that is economically responsible, but yet at the same time is going help me increase my productivity and my profitability,’” explained Truitt. All of the seminars sponsored by Farm Credit Mid-America will begin at 11 a.m. EST. Door prizes, including a toolbox from HAT, will be awarded at the end of each seminar. Truitt said this particular item represents a message to be conveyed at this year’s show about being smart when making new equipment purchases. “We want to give them the tools to make their operations better, to make their operations more profitable, not just to buy something that’s the latest and greatest thing.” The West Pavilion, with 170,000 square feet of exhibit space, features new lighting, new heating and new flooring, along with new windows and restrooms. There are also new lobbies, move-in doors and freshly painted walls and ceilings. According to promoters, the show was born from companies involved in agriculture expressing a desire for venues larger than county fairs to showcase their products indoors during the winter. Originally, the event took place in downtown Indianapolis at a convention center that later became the site of the RCA Dome, then more than 20 years ago moved to the fairgrounds where it’s been since. Get more details by calling 843-686-5640, or online at www.inilfarm.com |
