By MICHELE F. MIHALJEVICH

Indiana Correspondent

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — The late founder of the Fort Wayne Farm Show wouldn’t be surprised to learn the show is still going strong after 30 years, an organizer said.

“Jack (Thill) was a visionary and an optimist,” noted Fred Cline, a show director with Tradexpos, which produces the show. “He’d probably also not be surprised we’ve sold out (vendor spaces).”

Thill, then owner of Tradexpos, started the show after a visit to the city in the 1980s. The event’s original goal was to draw as many people as possible into an agricultural event, he said in 2014. Thill died in July 2015, at age 90.

The 30th show will take place Jan. 15-17 at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum. Last year, nearly 31,000 people attended, Cline said. This year’s event will feature representatives from 413 companies.

Exhibitor space sold out last June, he noted, adding that Tradexpos has more than 100 companies on a waiting list. In 2016, show organizers were able to take advantage of more exhibition space thanks to an expansion at the Coliseum.

“Our first year of the show, we filled one half of the Expo Center (in the Coliseum),” Cline explained. “Now we fill every inch of exhibit area the building and the fire marshal will allow. We have about a 97 percent retention rate with our previous exhibitors, so with approximately 1,100 booths that only gives us about 30 booths to offer each year.

“Of the 413 companies, 46 of these companies are first-year exhibitors and 48 of these companies have been with us since the very first year of the show.”

Show organizers want the event to feel new each year, he noted. “We do keep our show fresh; it’s not the same old, same old. Attendees come to see what’s new. They want to see the most effective way to run their business to produce better yields and a better bottom line. And if you’re looking for a tractor, four-wheel-drive or other equipment, you can look and compare.”

Vendors at last year’s show reported strong sales as a result of the show, he said. “Of course, we’re concerned this year,” Cline explained. “We’re very interested to see what happens with the tariffs. These farmers are hard-working individuals who would rather sell at market conditions than get a government subsidy.”

Purdue University extension and the Northeastern Indiana Soil and Water Conservation Districts provide the educational seminars offered daily during the show.

“Visitors can see products and promotions all in one place,” said Crystal Van Pelt, extension educator for agriculture and natural resources in Steuben County. “You get to see the latest and greatest technology. It’s also a networking opportunity. It’s winter, it’s nice to get out of the house.”

The daily market outlooks offered as a part of the educational sessions will help farmers prepare for the upcoming growing season, she added.

“The outlooks are the largest-attended sessions at the show. They give you a plan. Do you look at the iron (on display) or walk with your head down when you go past the farming equipment?”

The tradition of the show brings family and friends back yearly, noted Elysia Rodgers, DeKalb County extension director. “It breaks the monotony of winter and it’s a good get-together event. It’s a chance to get out in the middle of January.”

The show allows vendors to display new technologies, she pointed out. It also gives potential customers the chance to make connections with equipment dealers and other exhibitors.

The show is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. next Tuesday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Wednesday and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Thursday. The event is free, but there is a fee to park in Coliseum lots.

Tradexpos, based in Austin, Minn., also produces farm shows in Owatonna, Minn., and Mulvane and Topeka, Kan. For more information on the Fort Wayne event, visit www.tradexpos.com and click on “Fort Wayne Farm Show.”