By DEBORAH BEHRENDS
Indiana Correspondent LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The same exhibitors may return, but they bring cutting-edge technology to wow more than 300,000 visitors to the National Farm Machinery Show (NFMS) each year. Next week will be no exception as nearly 900 displays fill more than 1.3 million square feet of the Kentucky Exposition Center from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Feb. 13-16, for the 54th annual show. No admission is charged for the show itself, but parking is $10 per vehicle. The expo center boasts eight interconnected exhibit halls over 27 acres where visitors can spend each day indoors visiting exhibitors, learning during 15 educational seminars and shopping the gift and craft market. While 1.3 million square feet of exhibit space sounds like a lot, the expo center could fill more. "We are maxed out," said James Johnson, interim executive director and show manager. "There's no way to add more space unless we add a new building. We just can't get any more in." He said there's a waiting list each year and exhibitors rarely drop out. "Occasionally, one company will buy another, consolidate space, but that doesn't happen often." Last year, the expo center attempted to add space with a tent in the South Wing parking lot; it met with mixed reviews. Exhibitors in the tent, who had been on the waiting list, thought it would be a good way to get a foot in the door. They found that few visitors made their way to tent. Vendors complained the additional space wasn't advertised well enough. "It just didn't work out very well," Johnson said about the effort. The venue also hosts the 51st annual Championship Tractor Pull during the show. Tickets are available online, or livestream the event online if you are unable to attend in person; learn more at https://champpull.org Each year's event continues to draw the nation's top drivers competing for the title of Grand Champion and more than $200,000 in prize money. Learn something Visitors to the NFMS can give their feet a rest and engage their brains with seminars on a variety of topics, including: •"The Future of Precision Ag Technology" gives producers a chance to learn about the news features in FARMserver and what future advancements they can expect to increase efficiency and profitability. This is presented by Beck's Hybrids at 10 a.m. on Feb. 13. •Learn about the "Silent Yield Robbers" at 11:30 a.m. next Wednesday. Beck's will present this talk about the impact nematodes can have on crops, and some of the control methods to control these hidden thieves. •"The Changing Nature of Tillage Tools" will look at managing issues with iron. Farm Futures will present this topic at 1 p.m. Wednesday. •"2019 Market and Weather Strategies" will be presented by DTN/The Progressive Farmer at three different sessions: 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. Thursday or 10 a.m. Friday. •Machinery Pete will offer an update on the used machinery market at 10 a.m. Feb. 14. Farm Journal's Greg Peterson's talk is presented by Farm Journal Media. •Learn more about how drones can save farmers time and money while improving the speed and accuracy of their decision-making at "Utilizing UAVs and Remoting Sensing to Improve Your Decision Making" at 10 a.m. on Thursday, with Beck's. •"Grow Corn and Soybean Yields Like a Champion" will reveal insights to optimize returns on every acre, from yield contest growers and industry experts. This is presented by DTN/The Progressive Farmer in two sessions: 11:30 a.m. Thursday or Friday. •"A Fresh Perspective on Old Agronomy" will focus on unique insights generated by Beck's Practical Farm Research program, at three different times: noon Feb. 14 or 15, or 10 a.m. on Feb. 16. •"Seed, Genetics and Crop Performance" – with more tools available to plant breeders, what does this mean to farmers and yield potential for 2019 and beyond? This is presented by Farm Futures at 1 p.m. Thursday. •"Sulfur on Soybeans" may be the solution to increasing yields. Learn more at 2 p.m. Thursday, with Beck's. •"U.S. Farm Report" is a live market roundtable taping hosted by Tyne Morgan, with analysts looking at factors that could move the market in 2019. This session is presented by Farm Journal Media at 2 p.m. Thursday. •"High-speed planting: An Update" is presented by Farm Futures at 4 p.m. Thursday. •"The Future of Precision Ag Equipment" will look at a new planter technologies and more with Beck's, at 10 a.m. Friday. •"In-Season Fertilizer Application" – the need to spoon-feed crops is a growing opportunity, and issue. What does it mean and what are the tools available? Learn more with Farm Futures at 1 p.m. Friday. •"PRF Proven Corn and Soybean Yield Strategies" is presented by Beck's at 2 p.m. Feb. 15. All seminars will take place in the South Wing B, in room 103, 104 or 105. Download the app Keeping everything organized while at the show can be a challenge. But it's easier with the NFMS smart phone app, available for Android and Apple devices. "The app is being finished up, and we anticipate it being live the week of the farm show," said Cody Patterson, executive director of communications for the Kentucky Exposition Center. The app “NFMS 2019” will allow users to connect with each other and enter their own schedule so they don't miss a thing. The 54th annual National Farm Machinery Show is hosted by the Kentucky Exposition Center, located at 937 Phillips Lane in Louisville. For more information on the show, visit www.farmmachineryshow.org |
