The Hay & Forage Expo returns to central Iowa for the 30th annual event. The show is set for June 22-23 at the Central Iowa Expo facility just east of Boone. The Central Iowa Expo site is also the host for the Farm Progress Show, which will be held in late August.

The Hay & Forage Expo is known as the best place to see the latest hay and forage equipment. This year an expanded list of programs has been added.

Related: See you at Hay & Forage Expo

SEE YOU THERE: Hot topics of interest to producers are the educational programs and machinery demonstrations held during the annual Hay

“Farmers who attend the Hay & Forage Expo love the demonstrations and watching the equipment in action. We wanted to expand on that and offer educational programs, as well,” says Matt Jungmann, show director, Penton Agriculture. “Two of our programs are hot topics in agriculture: drones and the weather. Producers want to use drones to better scout their fields, but it’s important to educate yourself on regulations and restrictions of this type of technology. Weather is always a crucial subject, and farmers want to hear about trends in weather and how it will affect the growing season.

“Another program we are excited to offer this year is a hay auction,” says Jungmann. Scheduled for June 22 only, the hay auction will be conducted by American Ag Video Auction. All presentations will be in the Morton Building at Sixth Street and Central Avenue.

Exhibits and field demos

Sponsored by three of Penton Ag’s state farm publications — Wisconsin Agriculturist, The Farmer and Wallaces Farmer — the Hay & Forage Expo provides a look at new hay and forage technology, with an extensive exhibit area and working field demonstrations conducted throughout each show day.

The two-day event showcases mowing, conditioning, baling and hay-handling demonstrations on prime alfalfa acres. Visitors can compare the most popular equipment brands operating side by side in actual field conditions.

A 10-acre exhibit field highlights displays from the major and short-line manufacturers, with a focus on products aimed at boosting efficiency and profitability of hay and forage production.

The Hay & Forage Expo is a one-stop shopping and learning venue for hay and forage producers. Visitors can examine the latest balers, forage choppers, disk mower-conditioners, tedders, rakes, mergers, bale carriers, forage seed and other hay production products.

Related: Get ready for Hay & Forage Expo

The 30th annual Hay & Forage Expo runs both days from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Central Iowa Expo facility near Boone. The site is west of Interstate 35 on Highway 30; the show’s website features a map and detailed driving directions. Admission is free; parking is $10 per vehicle. For information, visit HayExpo.com, or call 866-264-7469. The public is welcome.

Morgan is agriculture show manager for Penton Agriculture.

Schedule of events

9 a.m. to 4 p.m. All exhibits open

10 to 11 a.m. Mowing and tedding

11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. - “Weather Outlook for Crops 2016 and Beyond,” presented by Iowa State University Extension climatologist Elwynn Taylor

12:15 to 1:15 p.m. – “The Future of Commercial Drone Operations,” presented by attorney Philip Stiles

1:30 to 3 p.m. Raking, baling and hay handling

3 to 3:30 p.m. (June 22 only) - Hay auction, conducted by American Ag Video Auction

Tomorrow: Learn about drones at Hay & Forage Expo.