Farm Progress Show Reflection

After taking a few days off and talking to a few more people about the Farm Progress Show, I have begun to finally realize the scope and magnitude this show actually offers. Farmers from across the world travel to a remote field in the middle of nowhere Iowa to see what the new face of agriculture has to offer. I was blown away by the amount of international visitors that I saw and how important this show was to them. Its hard for me to grasp the scope of the show as just a college student, but talking to all of the production agriculturalist helped to give me a better appreciation for all the hard work that goes into making the Farm Progress Show run.

I also noticed the demographics of the show changing. No longer is the Farm Progress Show just a place for 60 year old white males, but also women and people of all ages and race. This is refreshing and promising for the future of ag.

Overall, I had a great experience at the 2008 Farm Progress Show! I met some wonderful people from around the world, got to get a sneak peak at what agriculture will look like in the near future, and enjoyed the extravagant displays from companies across the industry. I am sad to know that next year it will not be right in my backyard but as will tens of thousands of people, I too will travel for the experience of the 2009 Farm Progress Show.

DEKALB WingWear

At the Farm Progress Show I was introduced to a new line of clothing made for a purpose. DEKALB Wing Wear offers in-style clothing and the opportunity to give back to agriculture's youth. When you buy from DEKALB Wing Wear portions of the proceeds go towards DEKALB Ag Youth Scholarship helping young people continue their education in agriculture.

This year's recipients were Alexandria Henry, Heather Bradford, Renee Wangler, Scott Collum, Will Klein, Josh McCann, Laura Wiens, Neal Martin, Kristin Hartgrove, Lindsay Collart.

Take the Challenge

Even from the Monsanto tent (2 blocks away) I can hear the roar of screeching tires and raw horsepower coming from the Toyota Power Challenge. Toyota has called out the competition and wants you to see the results first-hand. Farm show attendees can sign up and take the competitive truck on a quarter-mile drag race, stationary of course, and then get put in the Toyota to compare. The results are displayed on a large television screen for all to see.

You can also head out to the Ride-N-Drive and take a truck threw an obstacle course. Its a lot of fun, especially since it wasn't my truck I was beating on.

Nothing runs like a Deere

A lot is going on in the agricultural machinery industry and John Deere is ready and willing to explain. Seminars are scheduled daily to cover various topics, including the new line of value-added utility tractors just launched earlier this month. The "Big Show" with Mark Pearson and Ken Root from WHO Radio also takes place at the John Deere display daily at 11:30 am and 1:00 pm. Along with that, product representatives are stationed along side their expertise equipment to answer any specific questions. While you are there you could also shop for some John Deere merchandise or Home and Garden products.

Wallace's Farmer offers a little hospitality

For anyone who has attended the Farm Progress Show you know that the days can get long. Wallace's Farmer is offering a cool place to take a rest and see a few sites in their Hospitality tent, located on the North side. Inside you can meet the editors of Wallace's Farmer, visit various booths, take a load of in the cool shade, and vote for winner of the Inventor's Challenge.

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream!

Blue Sky Creamery is offering a unique twist on the classic summertime favorite - ice cream. In 1999 two Iowa State University engineers, Will Schroeder and T.J. Paskask, invented a new way to do ice cream. Instead of traditional freezing they flash freeze the ice cream with liquid nitrogen creating a richer, smoother taste. Since they invented their method, their ice cream has spread across the Midwest. You can try this sensation for yourself at the Farm Progress Show in several locations.

Horse training demonstrations a hit

Craig Morgan is a renowned horse trainer who is sharing his tips and tricks with the visitors of the 2008 Farm Progress Show. Craig has been working with horses for close to 60 years now and is very talented at his trade.

Every day at 11:00 am and 2:00 pm Craig brings in another "green" horse (in non-horse speak that means never been ridden) and breaks (aka trains) the horse in front of your very eyes. He offers his advice and walks you through every step of the process, keeping the seminar light and humorous.

The seminar I watched today was interactive and fun. The crowd was engaged and loving it. Coming from a former rodeo queen, Craig really knows his stuff, too. One comment he made that I didn't know was that horses see in shades, not colors. Craig and his assistant, Steve, were entertaining and a great break from walking around.