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More than 250,000 expected at National Farm Machinery Show
 
By Doug Graves
Ohio Correspondent

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The farming industry is constantly changing, and no better way to inform those in the agricultural industry of these changes and the fast-paced evolution of trends and technology than the 57th annual National Farm Machinery Show (NFMS) in Louisville. The event will be Feb. 15-18 at the Kentucky Exposition Center.
“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.
“I think there is a powerful reason why so many people come to the farm show. There’s largely a discussion about items you can implement the next day when you go home,” said Ian Cox, executive director of communications for Kentucky Venues.
There’s so much to see and so much to do at the NFMS. There will be tool companies, livestock companies, pickup truck manufacturers, utility-vehicle makers and others to see.
“This hits on an opportunity to see new exhibitors, some that are small business, which are standing next to others like Kubota and New Holland,” Cox said.
The show spans 1.2 million square feet. More than 250,000 will attend the four-day event.
“More than 900 exhibitor booths will showcase the latest innovations in agriculture equipment and techniques to help jumpstart the 2023 planting season,” Beck said. “Whether it’s checking out the latest tractor from industry leaders like John Deere and Case IH or attending seminars on tillage technology, the farm show offers opportunities for farmers to expand their fleet and knowledge.”
The NFMS was formed 57 years ago when two events merged. In 1963, the University of Kentucky sponsored an electricity demonstration and exhibit for farmers in Lexington. That initial show opened the door, eventually expanding to include more types of power including agricultural power.
In addition, the most prominent and popular commercial exhibitors during the first 40 years of the Kentucky State Fair were related to the farming industry. Power equipment valued at $500,000 at the Farm Implement Show took up more than 30 acres of the fairgrounds. Due to its popularity and the growing agricultural interests in the region, organizers knew the time was ripe to expand.
Ultimately, in February 1965, a few hundred farmers, salesmen and crop experts gathered in the Kentucky Fair & Exposition Center to start a farm show. That year, commodity prices were high and farmers were experiencing record-high profits. The farm show then added an entertainment element four years later with the Championship Tractor Pull.
Louisville’s location in the agriculturally rich Midwest and Southern corridor was accessible and attractive to farm equipment manufacturers and dealers from around the nation. The exhibitors found an organized show in a central location where they could display their agriculture products, services and equipment to an interested audience of professional and recreational farmers.
The once-tiny farm show is now the nation’s largest indoor ag trade show.
“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.
Free seminars are scheduled Feb. 15-17 in the South Wing, with subjects ranging from market and weather strategies to carbon credits. A live taping of “U.S. Farm Report” market roundtable with Tyne Morgan will take place as well.
For those in the mood for shopping, the Gift and Craft Market in the South Wing Mezzanine offers many booths selling tractor-branded merchandise, fashion, toys, collectibles, snacks and more.
The National Farm Machinery Show 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, $25 per bus. Visit www.farmmachineryshow.org for more information.
2/7/2023