At the Western Farm Show, farmers and ranchers can not only see the latest equipment and technology, they can also talk with people about farm finance, watch a livestock handling demonstration, or attend farmer development sessions on a variety of topics.
Show manager Jami Applegate says people can get information about all aspects of agriculture.
“You’re going to find everything you need to successfully run a farm or ranch under one roof,” she says.
This year’s show, the 62nd Western Farm Show, is Feb. 23-25 at the American Royal Complex, located at 1701 American Royal Ct. in Kansas City, Missouri.
Applegate says this year’s show features over 400 exhibitors, including farm equipment, finance, seed and even land-sale businesses. Four drone companies will be at the show.
She says show attendees see value in being able to talk with dealers in person and see farm machinery up close.
“Once they get there, they’re going to be able to talk to the dealers who are really knowledgeable on the types of machinery they’re selling,” Applegate says.
The farm show also includes the family living center with a variety of gifts and souvenirs, as well as the health and safety roundup, where visitors can learn about farm safety and get health screenings such as blood pressure or hearing tests.
“They do offer most screenings free, and if there is a charge it’s usually very minimal,” Applegate says.
In addition to the exhibitors and displays, there are events throughout the show weekend. Friday is FFA Day, with leadership sessions and prizes for FFA students, as well as a food drive that includes a friendly competition between FFA members from Missouri and from Kansas.
Saturday features the popular low-stress livestock handling demonstrations with Texas A&M University livestock specialist Ron Gill. Applegate says show visitors are very interested in learning about ways to handle livestock in an efficient way.
“Those are always standing-room only,” she says. “We have so many people who come who have never seen those before.”
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