Farm Progress Show Musings
Posted: September 4, 2007
The holiday weekend caught up to us before we could get the following thoughts from the Farm Progress Show, held in Decatur, IL, posted at the end of last week. However, they’re still relevant. Thanks to Lou Malnassy, NCGA, for sending them along.
At a time when high-speed internet connections have tied growers and their suppliers closer together than ever before, the idea of thousands of people traveling to a farm show may seem out of date. In fact, say two National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) officers, today’s farm shows are better than ever.
“Farm shows are still the best way to get a look at all the new technologies,” said NCGA First Vice President Ron Litterer. “I’ve seen new seeds, new implements and many other things here for the very first time.”
Despite his exposure to new products and ideas, Litterer was impressed by what he’s seeing at this year’s Farm Progress Show, in Decatur, Ill.
“We’re seeing developments in biotechnology and genetics that are still several years away from being introduced,” he says.” There’s nothing like a farm show for that type of preview.
NCGA First Vice President-elect Bob Dickey sees the appeal of shows extending beyond agriculture.
“These shows attract the attention of non-farmers as well as farmers,” he explains. “They’re an opportunity to educate consumers about agriculture.”
Litterer and Dickey also agree that the shows provide a rare opportunity to meet and talk with fellow growers. Litterer sees the general mood as upbeat. “Weather is always a concern, but early harvest figures among those attending have been very good, and growers are generally pleased,” he says.
Dickey agrees. “These are exciting times,” he says. “You can feel that here.”
