INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — Organizers say there are two main reasons why the Indiana-Illinois Farm and Outdoor Power Supply Show draws thousands of people each year.

“People really do know that they can come to this show and find some good deals, and they know companies are there to make deals. Plus, those who have been to the show before know they will get access to some great programming,” said Richard “Dick” Sherman, founder of the show and principal manager for each of its 33 years.

“It always has been a great place to do business. Farmers are done for the season and are ready to do business, and the environment at the fairgrounds gives everyone so much more room to mingle and do business,” he continued.

Sherman noted the show will include nearly 250 10-by-10-foot booths featuring products ranging from seeds to lubricants to technology, but larger displays and extra space within the West Pavilion of the Indiana State Fairgrounds allows for large pieces to be on display.

“After the small booth space, the rest is all equipment, and that’s what a lot of folks want to see at shows. They want to see the equipment,” Sherman said.

The largest exhibitors inside the 170,000 square-foot pavilion will be presented by Reynolds Farm Equipment and Smith Implement, featuring John Deere; Bane Equipment’s display featuring Case IH; and MacAllister Machinery’s display featuring Caterpillar and AGCO.

“We also have great displays of self-propelled sprayers and outdoor power equipment, plus an outstanding lineup of shortline equipment,” Sherman said.

All totaled, some 350 companies are signed up to participate, he explained, and about 90 percent are repeat “customers.”

“Companies know that this show offers a good business environment. It’s during the middle of the week, rather than on a weekend, which means the farmers who do make it are usually looking to do some buying,” Sherman said.

On the educational side, the show once again will offer a popular seminar series each day beginning at 11 a.m., and organized and moderated by Hoosier Ag Today owner Gary Truitt and Andy Eubank.

Next Tuesday’s program will focus on agriculture law and government regulations, a primer for area farmers on how to keep from getting entangled in local, state and federal regulations. It will be presented by Kevin M. Alerding, partner at Ice Miller, LLP and Justin Schneider, staff attorney with the Indiana Farm Bureau.

Two seminars will be offered next Wednesday, including one regarding new wireless applications and how smart phones can help farmers stay connected. Farmer and software designer Neil Mylet will lead the discussion.

Dr. Chris Hurt of Purdue will follow with his market outlook.

Next Thursday’s presenter is Jim Riley, always a crowd favorite. Riley will give tips to farmers on how to improve their marketing plans in a presentation titled “How to Feed a Bull and Survive a Bear.”

The Indiana-Illinois Farm and Outdoor Power Equipment Show is Dec. 13-15 in the West Pavilion at the fairgrounds, 1201 E. 38th St., Indianapolis. Parking costs $3 at the fairgrounds, but entrance to the show is free.

Hours for the event are 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday, and from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Thursday.