The Southern Farm Show, the largest agricultural exposition in the Carolinas and Virginia, is set for Jan. 31 through Feb. 2 at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds in Raleigh.

This marks the 41st Southern Farm Show to be held in Raleigh. Show manager David Zimmerman says much has changed in farming in the past 40 years, but what hasn’t changed is the need for farmers to have a venue where they can see the latest farm supplies, equipment and learn more about producing abundant fuel, food and fiber.

“This was the purpose of the very first Southern Farm Show that was held in 1968 in Atlanta and it was the purpose of the first show in Raleigh at the Fairgrounds, and it is the purpose of the show in 2018. In each and every year, new equipment made its debut at the Southern Farm Show. It really is the best place for farmers to go to get ideas and learn about the latest technology," he said.

The Southern Farm Show includes more than 400 exhibiting companies touching every aspect of agriculture as well as landscaping and turf management. “No matter what crop you grow, you will learn something or find something new at the Southern Farm Show,” Zimmerman said.

Many new products will be introduced at the show, which occupies all seven buildings on the fairgrounds, with additional heated temporary structures and outdoor exhibits. Continuing education is a key goal of the show. Admission and parking are free.

The show kicks off with the Wake County Agribusiness Breakfast Meeting at 7:15 a.m., Wednesday, Jan. 31 at the Hunt Horse Complex at the NC State Fairgrounds.

A highlight of the show will be the Ag Development Forum Thursday, Feb. 1 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Holshouser Building. North Carolina Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler will deliver his annual “State of North Carolina Agriculture” address. Invited speakers will focus on the latest trends in North Carolina agriculture, and an agricultural economic outlook will be presented. Admission is free.

The Tobacco Farm Life Museum will hold the 13th annual Breakfast with the Commissioner on Friday, Feb. 2  at 7:30 am in the Holshouser Building. Proceeds from the breakfast assist the Tobacco Farm Life Museum in “preserving and presenting the history and heritage of the rural North Carolina farming community.” 

On Friday, Feb. 2 at 10 a.m. in the Holshouser Building, Tobacco Growers Association of North Carolina will hold its annual meeting. It will include an economic outlook and will focus on trade and policy issues impacting tobacco farmers.

The North Carolina Department of Labor will hold luncheons honoring Gold Star Growers on Wednesday, Jan. 31 and Thursday, Feb. 1. The luncheons are open to Gold Star Growers and their guests. Double Star growers will be honored on the Wednesday luncheon and Single Star growers will be honored at the Thursday luncheon.  Both luncheons will be held at the Gov. Jim Martin Building.

The National Tractor Pullers and United Pullers of the Carolinas will have an extensive display of tractor and truck pulling vehicles on display at the show. Seven classes of national vehicles along with the full color NTPA scoreboard will be there for show guests to see and enjoy.The finals of the Future Farmers of America Tractor & Truck Driving Competition will be held at the show. 

For the last 34 years, the Southern/National Draft Horse Pull has served as the grand finale for the Southern Farm Show. This tradition will continue Friday, Feb. 2 at the Hunt Horse Arena. The horse pull once again will be held after the close of the show on Friday. Spectators will gather to watch teams of giant draft horses compete for prize money. Doors open at 5 p.m. and the show begins at 6 p.m.

For more information, contact Southern Farm Show a (800) 849-0248 or visit the show website at http://SouthernFarmShhttp://SouthernFarmShow.com.