By Doug Graves Ohio Correspondent
LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- Agriculture enthusiasts from across the country will converge on Louisville this week for the 2024 National Farm Machinery Show (NFMS). It’s the largest agriculture show of its kind in the country and will attract more than 300,000 visitors. The event will be Feb. 14-17 at the Kentucky Exposition Center. Hours of operation are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. “Agriculture means business in Kentucky,” said David Beck, president and CEO of Kentucky Venues. “We’re known for putting on world class agriculture events and the National Farm Machinery Show is no exception. It’s the largest indoor farm machinery show in the country.” Each year attendees come from around the world to see major equipment manufacturers debut the latest equipment, attend seminars and network with colleagues in the agribusiness industry over four days. There will be tool companies, livestock companies, pickup truck manufacturers, utility-vehicle makers and others to see. “As the nation’s largest indoor farm show, the National Farm Machinery Show brings an estimated economic impact of $20.54 million to Louisville annually, filling local hotels and restaurants with attendees from across the country and around the world,” Beck said. “From tractor cabs to cutting-edge labs, agriculture isn’t confined to fields, it’s a realm where innovation thrives. Agriculture is an ever-changing industry, so trade shows like the National Farm Machinery Show are more critical than ever. Year after year, the show welcomes hundreds of thousands looking to propel agriculture into the future.” The venue has 1.2 million square feet of indoor space for more than 800 exhibitors who will prepare their product launches, in-depth demonstrations and informative seminars. The free tradeshow will showcase a plethora of industry-leading experts and companies. “The show offers a wide range of exhibits on the main floor and beyond that farmers will find educational opportunities, too,” Beck said. “There are nearly two dozen seminars scheduled for the show offering farmers the chance to update knowledge, learn about new technology and plan for the upcoming year.” Whether checking out the latest tractor equipment from brands like John Deere, Case IH, New Holland and Kubota, or attending free seminars on driverless technology, the farm show offers opportunities for farmers to expand their fleet and knowledge. “Farmers face the ever-growing challenge of feeding the world with less farmland, less labor, increased costs and a growing population,” Beck said. “It’s important to be efficient and environmentally sound with every acre and having the right equipment and techniques are essential for profitability and meeting the expectations of today’s consumers. This show is where the agriculture community comes together for four days of networking, exploring new techniques and doing business.” Many free seminars will be held in the South Wing and include subjects ranging from market and weather strategies to driverless technology. Todd Hultman, lead analyst, and John Baranick, ag meteorologist, both with Data Transmission Network (DTN) will discuss the global commodity market and weather outlook. Beck’s Practical Farm Research (PFR) roundtable will allow visitors to question a panel of experts who will show ways to increase one’s return-on-investment. Tyne Morgan will host the live taping of “U.S. Farm Report” roundtable and Farm Progress will show farmers can take command of their farm data in ways to boost profits from the farm. Visitors can learn about nitrogen fixation and nodulation, as well as plant rhizosphere signaling from experts from Novozymes North America Inc. There are seminars on the art and science of seed treating, high-speed planting techniques, successful cover crop strategies and many more topics. After the excitement of the show floor closes, visitors can head to iconic Freedom Hall to witness the pulse-pounding shows of the Championship Tractor Pull. Here, 189 talented drivers will compete in the nation’s longest-running indoor tractor pull in front of 80,000 tractor-pull fans over five performances. If shopping local and small is your speed, visitors can visit Gift & Craft Market in the South Wing. Here vendors offer an array of merchandise, including fashion, toys, collectibles, snacks and more. The market is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The NFMS is free and open to the public. The show floor is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Parking is $12 per vehicle. Visit www.farmmachineryshow.org for more information.
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