Across the length and breadth of America, the agricultural industry pulses with activity and is built on the principles of innovation and networking. Barn meetings allow farmers, ranchers, and other industry stakeholders to extend their professional circles or peers, gain knowledge on recent improvements, and investigate new technologies. Below are the best farming shows that are expected to happen across the USA in the year 2024, cutting across different farming sectors.
1. Commodity Classic
- February 28-March 2, 2024
- New Orleans, Louisiana
- Industry: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat
About the trade show:
New Orleans hosts the Commodity Classic which is a large-scale agricultural show that addresses the issues concerning corn, soy, and wheat production. This three-day event will include presentations on the proper practices to apply in order to increase production of these important crops, such as use of fertilizers, pesticides and how to market the produce. Commodity Classic also includes a major trade show where producers come together to see products from top agricultural companies, including equipment, technology, and seeds.
2. Cultivate
- July 13-16, 2024
- Columbus, Ohio
- Industry: Agribusiness, Sustainable Agriculture
About the trade show:
Cultivate, an annual event, takes place in Columbus, Ohio, making it a perfect fit for all those interested in low-impact and efficient farming methods. This show is meant for farmers, researchers, educators, agribusiness people, etc, who come to see new developments in fields like soil health, cover cropping, precision agriculture, and organic farming. Seminars and workshops, vendors’ presentations, and business networking sessions will all be provided to showcase the potential of innovative, sustainable farming approaches.
3. California Mid-State Fair
- July 17-28, 2024
- Paso Robles, California
- Industry: California Agriculture & Entertainment
About the trade show:
Although it is not strictly a trade show, the California Mid-State Fair in Paso Robles is more of a fair and entertaining ground that is focused on agriculture and family-oriented fun. This event runs for twelve days and is used to display agricultural crops in California through livestock, agricultural shows, and other farming demonstrations. Besides agricultural sections, the fair offers various attractions, such as carnival rides, various live performances, a variety of tasty food, and entertaining activities for kids and adults.
4. Ag Progress Days
- August 13-15
- Penn State University Park, Pennsylvania
- Industry: General Agriculture, Dairy, Livestock
About the trade show:
Focusing on agriculture, Ag Progress Days that takes place in Penn State University is one of the largest outdoor shows in the United States of America. This biennial event is the largest display of new products with the farm’s machinery, equipment, and technology solutions relevant to dairy farming, livestock, and crop production for three days. Dramatization and presentation on various crops, farms, and business conducted by experts, information sessions, farm showcases, and stalls of major agricultural firms make the Ag Progress Days open and useful for farmers of all types.
5. Husker Harvest Days
- September 10-12, 2024
- McPherson, Nebraska
- Industry: General Agriculture, Equipment
About the trade show:
Located in Nebraska, Husker Harvest Days is a giant ag machinery and technology celebration. These are educational seminars such as farm technology seminars and farm technology exhibitions where leading companies in the agricultural industry make farmers aware of the modern tools and technology available for farming. A typical example of such an event is the annual Husker Harvest Days, which is a great opportunity to check what is newly being offered to the public, to establish contacts with other agriculturists, and what may be the newest and the best tools for the modern farmer.
6. Farm Science Review
- September 17-19, 2024
- The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
- Industry: General Agriculture, Research & Education
About the trade show:
Co-hosted by OSU’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, the Farm Science Review meets research and education while providing information and innovative solutions related to agriculture. It comprises live demonstrations of the newly released farm equipment, educational sessions on the newest farm research studies, and expert panel discussions. Farm Science Review is published to reach a diverse audience, which means it is beneficial when it comes to farmers, researchers, students, and those who think about the future of agriculture.
7. American Dairy Association North American International Dairy Show
- September 21-24, 2024
- Green Bay, Wisconsin
- Industry: Dairy Production & Processing
About the trade shows:
The event is the North American International Dairy Show of the American Dairy Association found in Green Bay, Wisconsin; the largest dairy trade show in the western hemisphere. This four-day affair is beneficial to the entire players in the dairy chain starting with milk producers and processors, manufacturers of dairy equipment to marketers of dairy products. Delegates will be presented with updates on the current methods of dairy production, and modern technology involved in processing and production of dairy products.
8. Sunbelt Ag Expo
- October 15-17, 2024
- Moultrie, Georgia
- Industry: Cotton, Peanut, Southern Agriculture
About the trade shows:
Often referred to as North America’s Farm Showplace, Moultrie’s Sunbelt Ag Expo specializes in those aspects, specifically catering to the agricultural needs of the Southeast region. This colossal exhibition is aimed at cotton, peanuts, and other products of the South, with emphasis on water supply, efficient farming systems, and advanced technologies appropriate for the sub-climate of the South. Don’t be surprised to view dancing high-tech farming machines, informative sessions, and active buyers and sellers filled within farming shows and fares.
9. National Hay Expo
- December 3-5, 2024
- Lexington, Kentucky
- Industry: Forage Production
About the trade show:
This particular trade show is the National Hay Expo in Lexington, Kentucky, and is designed to focus solely on the forage production segment. This three-day event presents educational sessions, which help understand further how to produce, mow, and store hay. It also provides a trade show featuring the top forage equipment manufacturers, seed dealers, and hay testing services. The National Hay Expo is an important event for hay producers who want to increase their productivity and revenues.
10. American Farm Bureau Federation Convention & IDEAg Trade Show
- December 7-10, 2024
- New Orleans, Louisiana
- Industry: General Agriculture, Farm Policy
About the trade shows:
For people who dwell actively in agricultural policies and practices, the American Farm Bureau Federation Convention scheduled in New Orleans this year should be of great interest. This four-day convention comprises farmers sitting down and debating on policies, interacting with producers in meetings, and being informed on the latest government policies, such as the Farm Bill, that affect farming. The IDEAg Trade Show, which is held simultaneously, displays various agricultural products and technologies, such as equipment and services.
Strategic Considerations When Preparing to Maximize Agricultural Exhibitions
- Research exhibitors: In most cases, exhibitors of various shows post their lists online. As soon as you get the list, you should go through it to find companies and products that would be helpful for you.
- Pre-register: Most shows come with an online pre-registration, and this can be very helpful in cutting down the amount of time it would take and even the amount of money you will spend on getting in.
- Schedule appointments: This is more advisable if there are certain unique or specific firms or specialists with whom you need to get acquainted, then it is better to write them beforehand and make appointments for the concerned firms.
- Pack strategically: This is the reason why one should wear comfortable footwear for extended walking on the site’s territory. It allows for the circulation of a notepad and a pen in case people want to take notes. During the session, attendance/business cards are made available to facilitate networking.
The Bottom Line
These ten farming shows encompass all sectors of agriculture that exist in America and can be of ample help to the farmers. Whatever your interests may be, be it the newest environmental crusade, the newest technology, or a policy debate and argument, there is a show that will suit your desire. Well then, please do remember this date, put on your boots, and start the journey into the new era of agricultural practice!
