Editor’s note: The Farm Progress Show is Aug. 27-29 in Boone, Iowa. Visit FarmProgressShow.com.

International interest in the Farm Progress Show is increasing above levels not seen in recent years. Attendees from other nations will travel to the 2024 show site at Boone in central Iowa to see and learn about the latest in ag technology, equipment and innovative products.

Before 2020, the show welcomed visitors from more than 40 countries each year. In 2020, the in-person show was replaced by a virtual show due to the pandemic.

In 2021, the show returned as an in-person venue and was held in Decatur, Ill. The number of foreign visitors attending dipped significantly from the previous highs, but more returned to Boone in 2022 and again to Decatur in 2023. The show rotates annually between Boone and Decatur.

Advance ticket sale orders by international visitors for 2024 are climbing above last year’s count.

Assisting foreign guests

“We are thrilled to have the International Visitors Center at the Farm Progress Show site again this year,” says Ashley Temple, director of strategic accounts for Farm Progress.

The International Visitors Center is in the Farm Progress Show Hospitality Tent. The center is staffed throughout the show to support the business and tourism side for international guests.

The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) works with the Ames, Boone and Des Moines convention and visitors bureaus to help staff the site.

Language can be a barrier for any international visitor, but the International Visitors Center will provide resources. The center plans to have Spanish, Portuguese and other interpreters on hand. A large increase in attendees from Brazil and China is expected.

There is more openness to world travel now compared to several years ago, Temple notes. IEDA aims to connect exhibitors and companies to facilitate new trade opportunities. That’s good for the overall economy.

International exhibitors

Expansion of international attendees includes exhibitors as well as farmers from across the globe.

As manufacturers establish consistent success within agriculture production in their own country, it increases the opportunity to showcase how the technology applies to U.S. agriculture as well.

“The products and services provided by international exhibitors usually have a proven track record of success by the time the exhibitors showcase it at the Farm Progress Show,” Temple says.

She and colleague Andy Wuebben both work with the international exhibitors.

“We are seeing a higher number of international exhibitors at the show this year,” she says.

There are also strong programs in place from the regional or national governments to help coordinate participation for many international manufacturers.

The Canadian Consultants firm and province leadership are good examples of international advocates encouraging manufacturers to join the show. The services range from simple logistical coordination to helping the staff find exhibit space for some of the smaller companies.

“Agriculture is truly a global community with innovation that is continuously developed by farmers for farmers, regardless of where the farm is located and what the crop is,” Temple says.

Helpful information sources

The guests who travel to Boone from outside the U.S. often need some extra help. International visitors can find key information at FarmProgressShow.com.

Companies and visitors seeking more economic insight can also visit iowaeda.com/exports to find resources and contacts to connect with Iowa companies to do business.