The Vermont Farm Show, the state's annual winter event showcasing the state's most important industry, opens its three-day stand tomorrow – Tuesday, Jan. 26, at 9 a.m. More than 150 vendors will be on hand to promote new technology and information to visitors of all ages. 

The Miller Buildings on the Champlain Valley Fairgrounds will be full of a variety of exhibits including three different sizes of robotic milkers, 16 ag associations, four insurance companies, four lending institutions and a variety of large and small equipment dealers including forestry and solar companies.

SNOW BUNNY? This one, exhibited at last year’s Vermont Farm Show, is guaranteed to “hop” through deep snow.

Key ag events
Tuesday is the busiest day for Christmas tree growers, beekeepers and sugarmakers. That’s when all three state associations will host their annual meetings.

Wednesday will be the biggest day for more than 200 FFA students, for competitions plus meetings for the Beef Producers, Organic Farmers and the ever popular Consumer Night. Doors will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., winding up with Consumer Night and the Legislative CookOff in the Blue Ribbon Pavilion.

Thursday is focused on dairy – not exclusively though. It starts with the morning Dairy Issues Meeting hosted by Deputy Ag Secretary Diane Bothfeld, followed by the Dairy Banquet at noon. The Vermont Sheep and Goat Association annual meeting is also on Thursday.

Contests have changed this year. Check vtfarmshow.com for an updated listing of events and vendors plus links for information on contests. Contest winners will be posted in the following booths: Vermont Beekeepers, Vermont Maple SugarMakers, Vermont Sheep and Goat Association and the UVM Hay and Silage Display. Christmas tree entries will be displayed in the entryway to the Miller Building.

The Farm Show is again partnering with Vermont FoodBank and the Chittenden Emergency Food Shelf. So, visitors are asked bring canned or boxed donations. Cash offerings will be gladly accepted.

Doors open at 9 a.m. and the show closes at 4 p.m. Parking and admission are free. Plug Champlain Valley Exposition, 105 Pearl Street at Essex Junction into your GPS, and drive on in.