If you are considering buying a new combine, curious about the latest outlook on the world agricultural market, or just want to learn what is on your farming neighbor's mind, the recently held Southern Farm Show was the place to be. The annual farm exposition was held at the State Fairgrounds in Raleigh, Feb. 1-3, and there was something for every farmer there.
Where else can you find an adjustable wrench longer than your leg or a grouping of heavy equipment tires large enough for you to stand up in them? Over 500 exhibitors bring their wares to the show each year. All the major equipment dealers are at the show, including a number who have multiple dealers that set up numerous exhibits. For example, you could find John Deere equipment at the outdoor exhibits and in the Jim Graham Building -- and probably at a number of other exhibits at the show as well.
Show manager David Zimmerman notes ever year there are more associations holding their annual meetings or major workshops at the show. A few of them include the N.C. Soybean Producers Association, the Pork Council, the Carolinas Farm Stewardship Association, the Tobacco Growers Association of North Carolina and the Wake County Agribusiness Council. The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services not only has an assortment of exhibits in the Jim Graham Building but the Department puts on the N.C. Agricultural Development Forum and Commissioner Steve Troxler delivers his annual State of Agriculture address during the show.
And there are plenty of other educational opportunities as well. Dan Smith of Top Third Ag Marketing presented a workshop on Marketing for the 2012 Crop Year for the N.C. Soybean Producers Association. During the N.C. Ag Development Conference, N.C. State University economist Mike Walden delivered an overall assessment from the farmers' slant of the current national economic situation as we head into 2012. It would seem that, for farmers wanting good information to base their planting and marketing decisions upon, coming to the show on multiple days would pay.
WELCOME:
This big sign on the midway welcomes attendees -- and also serves as a landmark for giving directions or as a "meetup" location.
BEAUTIFUL DAY:
The weather was wonderful during the entire three-day show, expecially favoring outdoor exhibits this year.
TIME SAVERS:
Large equipment makes taking fewer trips across a field pay big dividends.
WHITTLING WORKER:
This sawmill equipment can quickly trim a big log down to a useful size and shape.
GIDDYUP DOAGIES!
An exhibition of herding dogs demonstrates to show-goers that a dog really can be man's best friend – and an unpaid laborer, to boot!
HOLD UP RIGHT THERE!
Livestock handling gates can take the worry out of managing herd health.
BROTHERS 'N BLUEGRASS:
This talented bluegrass band really livened up the Wednesday night barbecue pig pickin' for exhibitors. The barbecue event was sponsored jointly by Southern Shows and Farm Progress, publisher of Carolina-Virginia Farmer magazine (and this website).
A SENSE OF COMMUNITY:
N.C. Commissioner of Agriculture Steve Troxler was a featured speaker at the Tobacco Growers of Association of North Carolina annual meeting.
PATRIOTIC EXHIBITORS:
This scene metaphorically reminded everyone that the agricultural industry has always served as a solid foundation for American patriotism.
SHORT WORK OF SILAGE:
Farming doesn't take long hours or a lot of hands as long as you have the right equipment at hand.
MANY USES:
As farms consolidate, a wide variety of time-saving equipment is needed, often with heavy-duty earth moving capability.
TRADITIONAL BUT EVOLVING:
One of the first English cash crops of the New World, tobacco production continues to evolve with heavy harvesting equipment like these harvesters from DeCloet.
THE OUTLOOK:
N.C. State University economist Mike Walden discussed trends and opportunities in the economy at the N.C. Ag Development Forum. He said economic conditions do seem to be improving, just very, very slowly.
CROWDS INSIDE AND OUT:
Even though the weather was generally wonderful, there were crowds in all the State Fairgrounds buildings at the Southern Farm Show, too. In fact, there were so many people in attendance that at times it was difficult to walk through some of the buildings without bumping other people.