The Farm Progress Show opens today in Decatur, Ill., as farmers and the agriculture industry gather together for the first time in person in nearly a year and a half. The show runs from today, Aug. 31, through Sept. 2

Farm Progress staff are eager to welcome old and new friends back to the largest outdoor farm show in the U.S. this week.

“I am looking forward to reconnecting with both farmers and our friends in industry who exhibit at our shows,” says Tom Bechman, editor of Indiana Prairie Farmer. “Last year we talked by phone or computer, but it is not the same. It’s hard to share each other’s enthusiasm over a virtual medium.”

While COVID-19 put a pause on interaction at farm shows, the industry didn’t slow down.

“Agriculture hasn’t stood still during the pandemic. Advances are being made, and keeping up is still important,” says Willie Vogt, Farm Progress editorial director. “The Farm Progress Show is a one-stop shop for learning about the latest in both the hardware and software of agriculture.”

Decatur Farm Progress Show host farmers compare the three-day event to walking through a large shopping mall, with ag companies displaying new products for farmers to see and presentations to attend.

“For many machines on-site, this is the first place farmers will have a chance to see them up close, from the X9 combine to the new Fendt Rogator sprayer,” Vogt says. “And the wide range of short-liners on-site provides innovations farmers can use to boost productivity.”

Holly Spangler, editor of Prairie Farmer, says the Farm Progress Show also allows farmers to attend field demonstrations and see equipment go to work — a unique opportunity.

“I love to get a first look at new technology and new equipment at the Farm Progress Show, and then see a lot of it in action in the field demos,” Spangler says. “There’s nothing quite like standing in the field with a few thousand people and feeling the anticipation for the next new combine or corn head or autonomous cart.”

Bechman concurs: Learning virtually about new equipment just isn’t the same as seeing the real thing in action.

And the face-to-face interaction? Well, staff agree the experience and benefits just can’t be beat.

“One of the best things about the Farm Progress Show is that farmers have access to folks at all levels in a company. If you’re not getting an answer back home at your dealer, there’s a good chance you can elevate your request during the show, and go home with the answer you need,” Spangler says. “There’s a lot of value in that kind of conversation.”

The Farm Progress Show is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Aug. 31 and Sept. 1, and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sept. 2. For more details or to purchase tickets in advance, visit the Farm Progress Show website.