You know you should attend the 2019 Mid-South Farm and Gin Show, and here are some of the reasons why:

• Ask those who have attended a past show why they attend and the responses vary from “to see the latest equipment and machinery” to “educational seminars and access to industry experts.” Regardless of the reason, if the 67^th annual Mid-South Farm and Gin Show is not yet on your calendar, block off March 1-2 at the Cook Convention Center in downtown Memphis, Tenn.

Sponsored by Southern Cotton Ginners Association and Foundation and Delta Farm Press, the show features new equipment and machinery, Ag Update seminars, and numerous educational opportunities, according to Tim Price, show manager.

• “From a technology and equipment perspective, some things are seen only at this show, which is a significant attraction for attendees,” he says. “There are also many new companies exhibiting at the show this year. And we are honored to have many long-standing exhibitors; we wouldn’t want to do the show without them. We’re proud to welcome new companies, as well, and expand the opportunities for attendees to interact with industry representatives.”

• Price says two returning events — Ag Launch Startups and Farm Show Feeds —are highlights for attendees. “This is the third year for the AgLaunch event, which is scheduled for Friday, March 1, beginning at 11 a.m. This unique event hosts some of AgLaunch’s most innovative agtech entrepreneurs from across the country to showcase how their ideas will shape the future of food and agriculture.

Related:Mobile app helps navigate Mid-South Farm and Gin Show

• Farm Show Feeds is the annual gathering of FFA students who package highly-nutritious meals for distribution through the Mid-South Food Bank. FFA students will package the meals Saturday, March 2, beginning at 9 a.m., at the Scene Dock, Cannon Center. “FFA students are involved in many service projects,” Price says, “and we’re proud to provide this opportunity for them to help combat food insecurity. This is a critical component of our show and our efforts in the communities in which we farm and live.”

• For many attendees, a highlight is the Ag Update Sessions, scheduled for Friday, March 1, and Saturday, March 2, at the convention center’s Cannon Center Stage. Friday’s session will feature the cotton outlook with Joe Nicosia, Louis Dreyfus, and a special broadcast of AgWatch Network’s monthly teleconference, with a cotton panel of leading industry experts, including Dr. O.A. Cleveland Jr., Mississisppi State University economics professor emeritus, and global cotton market analyst; Jarral Neeper, president of Calcot; Kip Butts, senior cotton analyst for Informa Economics; and Pat McClatchy, executive director of the Ag Market Network. The show will discuss the latest outlook for cotton prices and the panel will make marketing suggestions as well as answer questions from the audience. The program will be rebroadcast at agmarketnetwork.com.

• Saturday’s Ag Update features Richard Brock, who will provide a grain marketing outlook as well as insight into the economy and politics.

Show hours are Friday, March 1, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, March 2, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. With the convention center under renovation, Price notes, exhibits will be located throughout the center, on adjacent outside spaces, and in tents on adjacent streets. “There will be ample signage to help attendees move through the exhibits and find those businesses they want to connect with,” he says. “Traffic flows, maps, and other location assistance is also available on the show app, which is downloadable through Apple and Android app stores.”

Price encourages attendees to pre-register online to speed up the onsite process. “If you’re planning on attending, visit the website http://www.farmandginshow.com/ and click on “Attendee registration.” Follow the instructions. When you get to the show, staff will help you print your nametag and you’ll be ready to go.”

Those who register by Feb. 14 will be eligible for a $1,000 cash prize. “We not only give away cash prizes for online registration, we’re giving away thousands in cash prizes at the show,” Price says. “Many exhibitors give away prizes throughout the show as well. We think there are many additional reasons to attend the show — educational opportunities and the chance to see the latest in innovative technology and services. The opportunity for cash prizes is an added bonus.”