With more than 160,000 square feet of space filled with products and services for the farmer, a free seminar series and an array of features including the great tractors of the past and the hottest modified tractors of today, the show promises to provide a great day for area farmers, according to Show Manager Richard Sherman.

“The show is very nearly sold out with about 350 exhibitors expected, with large displays from all the major names, including dealer displays of John Deere, Case, CAT, Massey, AGCO, Farm Pro and Mahindra, with great outdoor power displays, more lawn and garden than ever before, all the major short lines, a great selection of self-propelled sprayers, grain equipment, livestock equipment, seeds, chemicals, supplies and all the new technologies so vital to profits,” he said.

“We also have more new displays this year than in any year that I can remember, at least 20 new companies, headed by Stoops Freightliner, T & J Quality Buildings, Montana Tractors, Friesen USA, Ray Skillman Auto Center, Husqvarna Lawn and Garden Equipment and Blue Tower Silo, just to name a few.”

The largest display in the show is the 3,000 square foot John Deere exhibit, which is a joint venture between Reynolds Farm Equipment and Smith Implement.

Among the other large displays are the 2,500 square foot Case exhibit presented by Bane Equipment, and the 2,000 square foot CAT display, presented by MacAllister Machinery. The CAT display features the new Challenger MT500B tractor.

The Massey-Ferguson display, presented by Fraley Implement of Rushville showcases the Massey 8450 with the new Dyna-step transmission.

“The show will also feature two special tractor areas, one with a great selection of 35 antique tractors, as good as any we’ve had in the past and the other a very special section of modified tractors, featuring prostocks and superstocks,” said Sherman. “Also in the planning stage is the addition of other antique farm-related equipment to the antique tractor display, including corn planters and shellers.”

Renovation complete
The multimillion dollar renovation of the West Pavilion at the Indiana State Fairgrounds is now complete. The building has new lighting, new restrooms, a new heating system, new flooring and a new front lobby.

According to Sherman, what will be the same, however, is what farmers always liked about the farm show at the fairgrounds: convenience, easy access in and out, good food at reasonable prices and free parking.

Show hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday. Admission, seminars and parking are all free. The Fairgrounds are located at 1202 E. 38th street in Indianapolis, and the West Pavilion is the first building to the right of the main entrance.

Published in the December 7, 2005 issue of Farm World.