LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The latest in agricultural equipment is pulling into Louisville from Feb. 10-13, for the 51st annual National Farm Machinery Show (NFMS).

Taking place in the 1.2 million square-foot Kentucky Exposition Center, this is the nation’s largest indoor farm show.

It will feature more than 860 exhibitors (including Farm World at booths 3087 and 4574) showcasing the latest in machinery, planting, tillage devices, precision technology, grain storage, computer software and electronics, breeder services, livestock supplies and far more.

“I’ve been coming years, even before I worked here,” said Steve Kelly, executive director of Expositions for the Kentucky Fair Board, who took the post in September. “Just getting to see all of the new and modern equipment that is available is one of the best parts of the NFMS.

“This is a vacation for some farmers and it gives them the opportunity to come and look at all of the new technology. This is something that people look forward to each year.”

Farmers also have the opportunity to view free educational seminars by the industry’s leading experts. Some of the topics include powering agriculture with renewable energy, market and weather strategies for the upcoming year, how to grow record corn and soybean yields, maximizing effectiveness with strip-till and managing water on the farm with sub-irrigation.

This year, the NFMS will also be featuring a Gift and Craft Market in the South Wing Mezzanine. Formally known as the Family Living Center, the Gift and Craft Market has been relocated to the second floor in an effort to increase the space where those venders can offer their products. At the Market, visitors can browse more than 80 booths for gifts, art and collectables. It is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

“The Gift and Craft Market will be selling everything from candy to jewelry to toys,” said Kelly. “This is something new and a little different from the previous Family Living Center, and we would like everyone to visit and check out everything they have to offer.”

Those with smart phones shouldn’t forget to download the NFMS app, which is free and features an interactive exhibitor map and listings, seminars and speakers, Championship Tractor Pull schedules and even Louisville area information. Available for the third year, the app will provide digital information from exhibitors, text alerts and product updates; it is available for both iPhones and Android devices.

The NFMS set its roots in the River City in 1965 when a group of farmers, salesmen and crop experts gathered in the Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center to showcase the latest in farming implements and equipment. Four years later, the Championship Tractor Pull was added to the mix.

It was the first major indoor event in Freedom Hall and attracted 66 tractors in three different classes. A central location to the agriculture-rich Midwest, Louisville has hosted the prominent show ever since. (Read more about some of this year’s drivers in the NFMS supplement.)

The 2015 NFMS attracted the second-largest crowd in its history, with 310,589 exhibitors and spectators attending the show. This number was only bested by the 2006 show, which 312,206 attended.

The NFMS generates more than $21 million in economic impact for the local community and the state.

Kelly said the downturn in the farm economy is not putting a damper on the show. “This is an event that any of the equipment manufacturers want to be a part of. Most of the manufacturers would buy more space if we could offer it to them,” he noted.

“We’ve not seen an impact. In fact, we still have a waiting list of people looking to get into the show. They are still going to market their products, and people are still going to come to see the latest and the greatest they have to offer.”

Topping off the NFMS each night is the 48th Annual Championship Tractor Pull. The invitation-only event features the nation’s best drivers in Pro Stocks, Super Stocks, Modified and Alcohol Tractors, as well as Two-Wheel and Four-Wheel Drive Trucks. This year features a record-breaking number of female drivers and all competitors will be vying for the title of grand champion and $250,000 in prize money.

Tickets can be purchased at the Freedom Hall box office, the Kentucky International Convention Center ticket office or on Ticketmaster by going to www.ticketmaster.com or calling 800-745-3000.

Ticket prices range from $40-$45.

Admission to the NFMS is free, but parking costs $8. RV parking is available, but requires registration in advance. More information about the NFMS can be found by going to www.farmmachineryshow.org and those interested in attending the Tractor Pull can find tickets and additional information at www.champpull.org