The Southern Farm Show, held each year since 1978 at the NC State Fairgrounds, has always been the place farmers from across the Carolinas and Virginia have come to figure things out. The show typically is held this time of the year for precisely that reason.
According to show director David Zimmerman, “This is when farmers know what the prior year’s crop has brought in, and they are trying to figure out what changes they need to make for the coming growing season.”
Those decisions are often multi-faceted. A change in crop type can lead to changes in the seed, pesticide, herbicide, and fertilizer used, and their application. The application can involve new equipment that’s better suited for particular crops. Even those farmers not making major changes are often pondering questions such as whether to try to get another year out of that old tractor, and risk it breaking down during a critical period, or going ahead and buying or leasing a new one.
While the huge array of equipment, supplies and services on display from over 400 companies is impressive, farmers attending the show will tell you that it’s the know-how, as much as the products, they are seeking there. Equipment factory representatives and experts from every field of agriculture are at the show to answer questions and share knowledge. And while most of the knowledge gained is one-on-one, the show also offers a wide array of structured learning, from commodity meetings, to continuing education, to economic forums.
The show fills the fairground’s four exhibit halls, five massive exhibit tents, and acres of outdoor exhibit area, making it the largest trade show of any type in the three-state area. It also caters to the construction and landscaping industries, providing those professionals with the most extensive annual display of equipment for their needs.
The show is, however, not all business. A lumberjack show sponsored by Stihl, a chance to test drive Chevrolet trucks, and bluegrass entertainment provided by the Farm Credit Associations of NC provide some fun for the estimated 30,000 who attend the show.
The Southern Farm Show runs Jan. 30 through Feb. 1. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. Admission and parking are free. For more information, contact Southern Shows Inc. at (800) 849-0248 or visit www.SouthernFarmShow.com.
