When the Mid-South Farm and Gin Show launched 65 years ago, organizers and sponsors were intent on providing educational opportunities for farmers and others attending the event, and 2017 will be no exception.

“Farmers face so many issues each year — whether it’s production and marketing challenges, or legislation,” says Tim Price, show manager. “The show venue gives us the opportunity to bring together experts in these areas and provide farmers critical information to help them make the best decisions.”

The 65^th anniversary show is scheduled for March 3-4 at the downtown Cook Convention Center in Memphis, Tenn. It is sponsored by the Southern Cotton Ginners Association and Foundation, with Delta Farm Press as co-sponsor.

Ag Update Seminars, scheduled for Friday and Saturday at 8 a.m. in the lobby meeting room, will kick off the educational opportunities. Friday’s session features industry updates, supply/demand outlooks for rice, wheat, and cotton, and market outlooks for all major Mid-South crops.

“The past few years have been challenging, with lower commodity prices and general economic unrest,” Price says. “While we may have turned a corner in some respects, we know managing risk is critical in farming year-in-year-out,” Price says. “Farmers who attend Friday’s seminar will hear the latest information on the potential for Mid-South agriculture, as well as what’s in store for the entire industry.”

Related:2016 Mid-South Farm and Gin Show Photo Album: Part 1

On Saturday, March 4, the ever-popular market analyst Richard Brock, Brock Associates, Milwaukee, Wisc., will provide his unique insight and analysis of grain markets, along with marketing recommendations for the coming year. He is also expected to offer his perspective on the new political environment and its impact on agriculture.

If past years are any indication, this session will be standing room only, Price says. “The Ag Update seminar is more than a high-level overview. Richard jumps headfirst into what’s driving the markets and tells people how to weather volatility and uncertainty. He knows the markets and makes solid recommendations to take advantage of opportunities.” Brock will also offer special marketing seminars, Price says, with more details to be hammered out over the next weeks.

In addition to the Ag Update sessions, an updated show mobile app will be available. “Each year, we find more ways to enhance everyone’s experience at the South’s premier indoor farm show,” Price says. “We know farmers and others are rapidly adopting mobile technology, and are using these devices more and more for business and pleasure. We are excited to be able to ramp up the functionality and interactivity of our mobile app.”

Related:2016 Mid-South Farm and Gin Show Photo Album: Part 2

Those planning to attend the 2017 show can pre-register online. “Attendees can visit the website www.farmandginshow.com, click on the registration icon, and fill in their information,” Price says. “Once they complete their information and print out a confirmation, they simply bring that to the show and print out their name badge.”

“We know people want to get into the show as quickly as possible. By pre-registering online, we can make the registration process much easier and faster, and you can get to the exhibits instead of waiting in line to fill out a form by hand and waiting again for their name badge to print.”

Staff will be on hand to assist attendees who have pre-registered, as well as those who prefer to register onsite.

Show hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday, March 3, and 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturday, March 4. More information about the seminars and show is available at www.farmandginshow.com. You can also follow show details on Facebook and Twitter.