LOUISVILLE, Ky. — With February comes a few certainties, including winter weather, Groundhog Day, Valentine’s Day and, quite possibly the most important for farmers, the National Farm Machinery Show (NFMS).

It is billed as the largest indoor farm show in the country and has been around for 47 years. In fact, it is so big, the NFMS represents a $21.5 million economic impact to Louisville and to Kentucky in general, according to Amanda Storment, vice president of media and public relations for the Kentucky State Fair Board, which puts on the show. “Of all the events the Fair Board has, this is the top event based on what people spend when they come to town,” she said.

That is a big deal when considering the board hosts a number of large events including the Kentucky State Fair, home to the World Championship Horse Show, and the North American International Livestock Expo, home to the North American Quarter Horse Show and the North American Championship Rodeo. This year’s NFMS takes place Feb. 15-18 at the Kentucky Exposition Center and will include more than 850 exhibitors in more than 1.2 million square feet of space inside the center.

According to information from the Fair Board, the show will have on display “virtually every major line of farming equipment under one roof. Attendees can take advantage of in-depth product comparisons, as well as discover innovative technology, new product launches, alternative energy and solutions to the challenges facing today’s agribusiness professionals.”

There will be free seminars conducted by industry experts. Topics will range from marketing practices for farmers to fine-tuning crop production skills and long-term sustainability risks.

One of the most popular events within the show is the Championship Tractor Pull. In its 44th year and sponsored by Syngenta, the tractor pull, known as the oldest of its kind in the country, is expected to bring in 70,000 fans to see drivers compete for more than $250,000.

Tickets are $35 for the Wednesday and Thursday night shows, $45 for Friday night, $40 for Saturday afternoon and $45 for the Saturday night finals. The Fair Board warns that Friday and Saturday night shows sell out in advance.

The Family Living Center will offer goods from more than 80 different booths. Items available include toys, jewelry, household goods and clothing. The center will be open each day of the NFMS from 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

For those into smart phones, the organizers of the show will offer the first ever free mobile application for iPhone, Android and Blackberry. The “NFMS ‘12” allows users to view an interactive exhibitor map and listings, seminars and speakers, Championship Tractor Pull schedules and Louisville area information. It will also provide digital information from exhibitors, text alerts, product updates and instant connectivity.

The program can be downloaded by searching “NFMS ‘12” in the Apple Store, Android Market or BlackBerry’s App World.

The NFMS is located at the junction of Interstates 65 and 264, near the Louisville International Airport. The show will be open daily from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and admission is free and open to the public, though parking is $8 per vehicle.

For more information, call the NFMS Hotline at 502-367-5004 or go to www.farmmachineryshow.org