The calendar has turned. It’s a new year, and the 69th annual Mid-South Farm & Gin Show is about eight weeks away. Scheduled for Feb. 26-27 at the Renasant Convention Center, Memphis, the annual trade show and educational exhibit features exhibitors showcasing equipment and machinery, programs and services, and expertise to support attendees.  

Tim Price, show manager, said in 2021, the Mid-South Farm & Gin Show will be a mixture of in-person and virtual experiences. “We are planning for a hybrid event due to the remaining impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said. “We’re excited to be able to offer both opportunities for attendees who want to take advantage of the show in either venue.”  

Price said the Renasant Center will have exhibits, physically distanced throughout the Center to comply with event restrictions. Attendees will be able to “kick the tires” of the latest equipment and machinery, as well as talk face-to-face with exhibitor representatives and industry experts. “We are proud to offer this opportunity for individuals who wish to attend in person on either day the show is held,” Price said. “We know, however, there are people who would rather take in the show on their computer, tablet, or mobile device. We are offering that opportunity this year, as well.”  

The virtual platform is still in development; however, components include live and recorded sessions of seminars and exhibitor highlights. Exhibitors will have a distinct virtual presence where individuals can interact with exhibitors and view exhibitor information. There will be some video available on products and services exhibitors wish to show case.  

“We are hopeful the two platforms will provide anyone who wants to attend the show to do so,” Price said. “The virtual platform will also be available after the show closes for those who missed a session, wish to watch again, or otherwise need access to the show. The reality of having an archive of show activities will be a real value to exhibitors and attendees alike,” he said. 

The Mid-South Farm & Gin Show is sponsored by the Southern Cotton Ginners Association and Foundation and Delta Farm Press. The show has been an annual event since 1952, held in Memphis. “People come from all over the world to attend the Mid-South Farm & Gin Show. We’re hopeful we will have as many, if not more, attendees this year, due in part to the opportunity of logging onto the virtual site,” Price said.  

In addition to the online experience, individuals can download the Mid-South Farm & Gin Show app to interact with other attendees as well as see show information. “The app will have exhibitor information, speaker biographies, seminar schedules, and more. The app will enhance both the in-person and virtual experience. It will be available for download from your app store later this month or in early January,” Price said. “I encourage you to check the farmandginshow.com website often for updates and details.”  

Price said whether individuals attend in-person or via the online platform, they can take advantage of Ag Update Seminars scheduled at 8:30 a.m. both Friday and Saturday. Friday’s Ag Update features Joe Nicosia who will cover the cotton industry and provide an outlook for the cotton market. Saturday’s Ag Update features Richard Brock who will address grain marketing and economics.  

Additionally, Milo Hamilton will headline a seminar on rice marketing, and Ag Launch will be on hand for their Shark Tank-style session featuring individuals presenting innovations and inventions. Check the website and app for times and locations.  

For more information on the Mid-South Farm & Gin Show, contact Price at 901-494-6977 or via email at [email protected].