There is so much to see and learn at this year's Farm Progress Show that it's easy to miss some really cool stuff. Here's a short list of just a few of the special features you will want to check out:

1. Narrow-row corn: Marion Calmer, a western Illinois farmer and owner of Calmer Corn Heads Inc., will speak daily at 10 a.m. and at 2 p.m. He will discuss the agronomics of dealing with narrow-row and ultra-narrow row corn from planting to harvest.

2. All the new tractor and equipment introductions: This is the show farm equipment manufacturers use to unveil their new products. It's exciting to see the world's top ag tractor and equipment manufacturers' powerful and production-improving products … all in one location. This year all the majors are launching several new products.

3. New crop technologies: The Dow AgroSciences Ultimate Yield Tour is guided by product experts and takes show visitors on a short walking tour of field demonstrations. Growers and other visitors will see new technologies up close, including: SmartStax technology; Dow AgroSciences' Refuge-in-the-Bag Concept, Instinct nitrogen stabilizer for use with liquid nitrogen or manure; herbicide-tolerant trait technology; and nitrogen-efficient and stress-tolerant corn hybrids in development.

4. USDA research: Agrotain International is sponsoring a first-of-its-kind research demonstration by USDA on nitrogen management. USDA-Agricultural Research Service undertook the project to measure losses of nitrogen in commercial corn production. The field plots demonstrate how new technologies like nitrogen stabilizer can reduce greenhouse gas emissions while increasing yields in corn. Growers will be able to see how the research is conducted and have questions answered by a team of USDA experts.

5. Free tractor leases: The Iowa Soybean Association is celebrating the Opportunity Sweepstakes with two grand prizes of 200-hour tractor leases of either a Case IH Magnum 335 or John Deere 8320R, plus free soy biodiesel.

6. Free building sweepstakes: Morton Buildings is giving away a building any size, any color, any features, any building use (not to exceed $50,000). Entries can be submitted at the Morton exhibit.

7. Big Bud tractor: CPS is displaying this behemoth – the world's largest farm tractor, with 760 hp.

8. Become a film star: Visitors can head to the Health and Safety Tent to videotape a "Stories from the Heartland" segment. This exhbit gives visitors the opportunity to share their own farm health and safety story to help promote the 2010 National Farm Safety & Health Week.

9. Fun and learning: The GSI Group will host a customer-centric booth featuring each of GSI Group's foundations as an industry all-star.  The exhibit will be sport-infused, with interactive kiosks for guests of all ages.  Building on the success of the "Tug-of-War" competition at last year's show, GSI will add a football toss through the manhole, basketball hoops in the 60-foot grain bin, bags for bins, washers from dryers and the popular grain-engulfment simulator.

10. Big ticket drawing: The Wallaces Farmer Hospitality Tent features a "big ticket" drawing for prizes totaling nearly $5,000. One entry gives visitors a chance to win one of several prizes, including a Miller Wildcat welder/generator, $1,000 cash and additional prizes.

The 2010 Farm Progress Show takes place east of Boone, Iowa, Aug. 31 to Sept. 2. The exhibit field is open to visitors 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday. Admission at the gate is $10 for adults, $5 for ages 13 to 17 and free for ages 12 and under. Adult admission tickets may be purchased in advance from the show's website at a 30% discount from the regular gate price. For a full schedule of events, admission information and more show details, visit www.FarmProgressShow.com.