INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — When the 36th edition of the Indiana-Illinois Farm and Outdoor Power Equipment Show moves into the West Pavilion of the state fairgrounds in Indianapolis Dec. 16-18, visitors will find everything they need for next season.

“All of our exhibit space is sold out – the full 170,000 square feet,” said Show Manager Richard Sherman.

A large number of vendors, including Branham Equipment, McBurney Livestock Equipment, Calibrated Power Solutions, RPM Machinery, Copperhead Ag and MJK Purveyors, are exhibiting for the first time.

Some, like Pomps Tire and SR Marketing, are expanding their presence in the show. And many others have been a part of the show since its inception.

“With grain prices down and sales slowing, manufacturers and dealers realize they have to get their products and services out in front of farmers and talk with them face-to-face,” Sherman explained.

“The internet is helpful for farmers, but there are limits to its value. There is nothing like seeing the equipment in person to generate sales.”

The ability to see that equipment inside the building is one thing that makes this show valuable, especially in cold weather.

“We can show more equipment here with a 170,000 square-foot floor and 17-foot high move-in doors,” he said. “Many shows become literature and video shows if they can’t get the big equipment onto the exhibit floor.”

Along with all types of field and power equipment, farmers also will have the opportunity to check out seed supplies, chemicals, livestock equipment, grain handling equipment, buildings, replacement parts and all the new technologies vital for profits, from computer software to GPS systems.

Sherman said the show draws between 12,000-14,000 people each year, and he doesn’t expect next week’s to be any different.

“This year’s show will give area farmers a chance to see some of the newest trends in ag first-hand,” he said. “A great many of them are in technology, attempting to make everything more efficient.”

Show hours are 9 a.m.-4 p.m. next Tuesday and Wednesday, and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Thursday. Admission to the show is free, but the fairgrounds parking fee is $5 per car. To learn more, visit http://inilfarm.com