The Farm Progress Show wrapped up its 2019 run last week in Decatur, Ill., with some of the largest crowds the show has ever seen, plus some of the best weather.

Following a half inch of rain that fell on Monday, Aug. 26, and made for a dreary setup day, the skies cleared and temperatures cooled — ideal for visitors to walk the 90-acre exhibit field and check out more than 600 exhibits.

“That rain meant we couldn’t hold field demonstrations on Tuesday, but it also brought a cool front that paved the way for perfect conditions on Wednesday and Thursday,” says Matt Jungmann, Farm Progress national events director.

Farmers showed up in a big way for those demonstrations, lining up behind the safety rope dozens deep — and behind them, golf cars with more visitors angling for a view. The autonomous tractor was especially popular, as it pulled a grain cart for a single pass without losing a single kernel.

Back on the exhibit field, Jungmann says the exhibits themselves really stole the show, with exhibitors putting big efforts into creating beautiful displays. Visitors flocked to see new tractors, the new Morton Buildings house and new grain storage exhibits. 

It takes an army to put on a show of this magnitude, and Jungmann credits law enforcement, emergency medical services, parking officials and more for their work. “There are hundreds and hundreds of people devoted to making the show successful, and we couldn’t do it without them,” he adds. 

Related:For FPS19, it’s the ‘Year of the Tractor’

Next year’s Farm Progress Show will be held Sept. 1-3 in Boone, Iowa. Check out the slideshow below to see photos from this year’s event.