LOUISVILLE, Ky. – What started out as a small electrical exhibition for farmers in Kentucky has turned into a giant farm machinery show for the entire country. What began as a farm show with 25,000 attendees and 86 exhibitors has swelled to 300,000 visitors and more than 800 exhibitors.

The National Farm Machinery Show enters its 60th year of showcasing the latest and greatest in farm equipment, technology and services for producers both small and large. Visitors will want to take advantage of special product launches, in-depth demonstrations and informative seminars throughout the show.

This year’s show is Feb. 11-14 at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville.

“This show was a success from the very beginning as Louisville is a centralized location where exhibitors can display their ag products, services and equipment.” said David Beck, president and CEO of Kentucky Venues. “For the past six decades millions of attendees have explored the ever-growing acreage at the Kentucky Exposition Center to experience the latest farming technology, new-to-market equipment, and groundbreaking ideas in climate-controlled comfort.”

From its start in 1966, the National Farm Machinery Show has continued to evolve alongside the industry it serves. Today, the show’s maxed out trade show floor and extensive waiting list are a testament to the quality and prestige of this annual tradition.

“Louisville’s location in the agriculturally rich Midwest and Southern corridor is accessible and attractive to farm implement manufacturers and dealers from around the nation,” Beck added.

Within the sold-out exhibit halls, exhibitors will showcase today’s innovations, including agricultural drones and advances in artificial intelligence. Companies such as AGCO, Case IH, John Deere, New Holland and others will be on display throughout the free trade show, along with a series of educational seminars offering practical insight to help farmers prepare for the year ahead.

Organized by Kentucky Venues and recognized globally as a premier trade show, NFMS anticipates its largest attendance ever, including international attendees from Germany, Norway and England.

“Guests will be able to explore state-of-the-art farming technology, equipment and best practices supporting various needs, from large-scale operations to small farms,” said Ian Cox, Kentucky Venues executive director of communications. “And the best part is the show is free and open to the public.”

Thirty free seminars will be offered throughout the four-day event. They will feature insights from leading industry experts on global markets, weather outlooks, drone technology and more.

Cruising alongside the trade show is the Championship Tractor Pull, an invitation-only showdown featuring 191 drivers vying for more than $300,000 in prizes. Fans can catch five heart-pounding performances in Freedom Hall, with nightly sessions at 7 p.m. from Feb. 11-14, and an additional noon performance on Saturday. Tickets for the event start at $9. For those who can’t attend in person, a live stream option provides access to each pull and archived footage.

In addition, there is the Gift & Craft Market, an excellent opportunity for attendees to shop for clothing, toys, collectibles and more. When attendees get hungry, the main food court with several restaurant stands celebrating Kentucky-grown goods is centrally located as are other food booths scattered throughout the venue. Dining setups are in the West Wing and South Wing.

“Beyond the expo floor, this annual event brings an estimated economic impact of $27.7 million to the Commonwealth of Kentucky,” Cox said. “Louisville’s hotels often reach upwards of 90 percent occupancy during the show as exhibitors and guests pour into the city. Kentucky Venues plans future expansions and renovations to accommodate continued growth. A miniature display of the future property is on-site so guests will see a visual of the changes planned over the next few years.”

For complete show information visit https://farmmachineryshow.org/. 

A list of exhibitors can be found starting on page 12 in this section and maps of the different halls are featured on page 19 of this section. 

Be sure and stop by the Farm World Booth and say hello when you visit the show.