Iowa Power Farming Show starts Jan. 31
By Heather Thorstensen
hthorstensen@agrinews.com
Date Modified: 02/02/2012 9:13 AM
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DES MOINES— The upcoming 57th Iowa Power Farming Show will be the third largest indoor farm show in the United States and the largest of its kind in Iowa.
Approximately 750 companies, 108 of them new exhibitors, will be represented Jan. 31 to Feb. 2 in the Iowa Events Center.
"This is the largest number of new exhibitors ever for the show," said Tom Junge, show director.
Equipment and other products will be shown in 1,818 displays throughout three buildings— the Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center at Veterans Memorial as well as Hy-Vee Hall and Wells Fargo Arena. The area covers seven acres.
Organizers say the completion of the $42 million, 14-month renovationat Veterans Memorial was perfect timing for their show.
"We feel it will raise the image to a much more professional-looking show with this facility and we've seen some of the exhibitors step up (with displays)," said Junge.
Last year, approximately 18,000 people attended, and that was with a snow storm. More people are starting to come from farther away, including from Minnesota and Wisconsin.
"Word is getting out, it's a top-notch show," Junge said.
The quality comes from only accepting exhibitors who work in agriculture, he said. Their expertise varies so there is something for all types of farmers. In the past, the show was oriented to help farmers who raise row crops, but exhibitors now also cater to livestock operations.
Based off a survey, the top two reasons why people plan to come are to check out tools for precision agriculture and to see the tractors.
"Farmers want to see what is new in ag technology at the show. This year's show will include a few new foreign exhibitors. PLA from Argentina will be introducing the self-propelled sprayer to the United States at the show," said Junge.
Exhibitors represent 29 states and four Canadian provinces.
Educational seminars at Veterans Memorial start between 10:45 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. on Jan. 31 and Feb. 1 and between 10:45 a.m. to 1:45 p.m on Feb. 2.
One seminar Junge expects to be popular is the Feb. 2, 1:45 p.m. discussion on how farmers can comply with the Environmental Protection Agency's rules for Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasures.
Other topics include farm continuation strategies, how to increase yields while decreasing costs, factors that may indicate a stronger spring quarter in grains, farm marketing, risk management for cattle producers, making profitable business decisions and elderberry production.
Ag Leader Technology will hold seminars on OptRx crop sensors, SeedCommand and SMS software.
Iowa State University Extension weed specialist Mike Owen will lead sessions hosted by the Iowa Soybean Association titled "Herbicide resistant weeds, past, present and future; act now or pay the consequences." The sessions will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Jan. 31 and at 10:30 a.m. on Feb. 1.
Free parking is available at the Iowa Cubs baseball park and three free shuttles will take people from there to the Wells Fargo Arena. The baseball park is located nine blocks south of Wells Fargo Arena on 3rd Street.
Admission to the show is $6; children 13 years old and younger get in free. A $3 discount is available for those who complete a planting intentions survey at www.iowapowershow.com. Click the "Save! Attendee Registration" link at the top of the page and bring the survey's confirmation page to the show for the discount.
Hours for Jan. 31 and Feb. 1 are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Feb. 2 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Iowa Power Farming Show is produced by the Iowa-Nebraska Equipment Dealers Association in conjunction with local Iowa farm equipment dealers. It is sponsored in part by Ag Leader Technology, Bayer CropScience, Farm Credit Service of America, The Stewart-Peterson Group and Stine Seed.