Halfway into the first month of 2018, many farmers are vocalizing the impact that the proliferation of information and the rapid pace of change are having on their lives and operations.

“Not only are our physical and electronic mailboxes filled with newsletters and information, our social media accounts are bombarded with messages that may or may not be relevant to a farmer’s operation, today or in the future,” says Tim Price, manager of the Mid-South Farm and Gin Show. “I personally need to take a breath, and acknowledge that I’m covered in information and am having a hard time sifting through it all in order to identify what’s important.

“Our 2018 show will offer an opportunity to take a break, come to Memphis, and get the most recent updates on hot topics in agriculture — including managing risk, generational shifts on the farm, marketing in a difficult environment, and how artificial intelligence is supporting data-driven decisions. We’re really excited about all this year’s show has to offer.”

The 66^th annual event is scheduled for March 2-3 at the Cook Convention Center in downtown Memphis. Sponsored by Southern Cotton Ginners Association and Foundation, with Delta Farm Press as co-sponsor, Price says, “The Mid-South’s premier agricultural show will feature more than 400 exhibits by companies from all across the U.S., plus Canada, Australia, and other countries.

“In our 66^th year of this American agriculture exhibit, we’re pleased to offer a combination of opportunities for attendees to walk the trade show floor, take in educational seminars, and talk one-on-one with industry leaders who are showcasing technologies that can have a positive impact on a farm’s bottom line. There’s a wealth of information, and a close-up look at the newest machinery, equipment, and services — something for everyone.

“Managing risk is an increasingly hot topic for farmers and ranchers, and we’ll have lively, engaging sessions on the subject,” Price says. “There will also be information on the new farm bill, crop insurance, and the expenses of the farm program. Today’s farmers generate data every day, and how those data are used can have a far-reaching impact on their businesses. We’ll have sessions on data-driven decisions, artificial intelligence, and robotics, and you can count on exhibitors having drones and other technologies that can help farmers generate and manage their data.”

A popular returning program this year is “Memphis Bioworks,” a discussion on new technologies and how farmers apply data interconnectively to make decisions. “This year’s seminars and Ag Update sessions will feature a wealth of information,” Price says. “You won’t want to miss them.”

Showgoers are encouraged to register in advance online at http://www.farmandginshow.com/. Click on the Attendee Registration button, complete the form, print it and the unique barcode, and take it to the show to quickly acquire name badges. Those who register online by March 1 will be eligible for a $1,000 cash drawing.

Show hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday, March 2, and 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturday, March 3. More information about the seminars and show is available at http://www.farmandginshow.com/.