This week snow and farmers invade Des Moines in a show of strength. It's the first major snow of the new year and the 56th Annual Iowa Power Farming Show a presentation of the Iowa/Nebraska Equipment Dealers Association.
"We've had some unque challenges this year", says association executive director, Andy Goodman. (photo) "Veterans Auditorium is going through a major renovation so we had to move some exhibitors to the Polk County Convention Center. But, even with that change we've had more companies come and exhibit. We've always got a waiting list. The mood at the show promises to be upbeat: It's been a solid year for agriculture and we expect this show to be the best we've done in some time. We're excited for the producers and the exhibitors."
Many people don't realize that the Iowa Power Farming Show ranks as one of the top six indoor shows in the nation. And...it's growing.
According to Tom Junge, show director, there will be 1660 exhibit booths featuring products and services from over 640 agricultural companies. "We're a real farm show", says Junge. "Our show is meant for producers and rural lifestyle folks who want to come see, touch and experience the latest innovations in equipment, crop and soil science." Last year nearly 20,000 people attended the three day event.
Attendees who don't want to fight the cold and winds of Des Moines can ride directly to the show entrance in the comfort of shuttle buses provided by Calcium Products, Inc. The bus service picks up attendees at the free parking area of Principal Park and drops them off at the door of the convention center or the Wells Fargo Arena. "This is the third year we've provided this free service to farmers and their families", says Craig Dick of Calcium Products. "We've added a couple of features including an attendant or "Flo" for each bus to answer questions and to help folks get to the right location. We're also showing a new video about the yield seminars we did last year...and each "Flo" will be handing out a card with seminar times and locations for this year." The farmer directed seminars "Yield Pays the Bills...Yield Starts Here!" will be held each day of the show. Here are the times and locations for the Calcium Products Seminars:
- Tuesday - February 1 - 11:30am - Hy-Vee Hall - Room 7
- Wednesday - February 2 - 11:30am - Hy-Vee Hall - Room 8
- Thursday - February 3 - 12:15pm - Hy-Vee Hall - Room 7
We're a strong lot...snow or no snow...hope the see you at the show!
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