The 71st Annual Mid-South Farm and Gin Show is less than six weeks away, set to open Feb. 24-25, 2023, at the Renasant Convention Center in Memphis. The show, one of the first of the season, features new machinery and equipment, educational exhibits, and exhibitors showcasing products and services that can help farmers improve efficiency and increase profitability.

“This is the first opportunity for many farmers and others in agriculture to see what’s new and have access to the industry’s top experts – those who know what farmers need to know to be successful,” said Tim Price, show manager.  Whether you’re looking for equipment, the latest technology, or new services, we bring it all together at this show.”

The annual Mid-South Farm and Gin Show is the south’s largest indoor farm show, and it’s also one of the longest-running shows, according to Price. “Each year we think it is quite remarkable the number of decision-makers from the Mid-South and beyond who make their way to Memphis for this show,” Price relates. “We hear, year-in-year-out from farmers who tell us this is a “must attend” event because it provides the first look at new farm machinery and equipment and innovative products and services, and it gives them the opportunity to connect with people they know they know they can only see at this show. It’s really a family tradition for many, many families.”

Past challenges

The past several years have been challenging for agriculture, both locally and internationally, Price said, and farmers and others are interested in attending the show in person. “The Mid-South Farm & Gin Show, like many other shows, added a virtual component to accommodate COVID-19 restrictions. We believe there are many who will attend in person, and many who want to attend virtually.  We will have opportunities for both.”

Sponsored by Southern Cotton Ginners Association and Foundation and Delta Farm Press, the show annually attracts thousands of domestic and international decision-makers over the two days of the show. Show attendees hail from every state in the nation and many foreign countries. Farmer-attendees grow cotton, soybeans, corn, rice, wheat, and have livestock. Over two-thirds of attendees have purchased products and services within six months of the show, Price said.

The timing of the annual trade show is very attractive for many exhibitors, who travel to Memphis from states outside the Mid-South. “Many exhibitors originate from Tennessee, although the second largest contingent of exhibitors are located in Illinois,” Price says. “Regardless of their location, our exhibitors get in front of customers and prospects early in the year, which means they have a great opportunity to do business with farmers attending this show.”

Ag Update seminars

The Mid-South Farm and Gin Show also offers educational opportunities including Ag Update seminars,  scheduled for Friday and Saturday at 8:30 a.m. The sessions feature commodity outlooks and marketing information for grains and cotton, as well as comments from industry officials. Featured speaker for the Friday, Feb. 24, Ag Update session is Joe Nicosia, head of the cotton platform for Louis Dreyfus Company.  Saturday’s session features Richard Brock, Brock and Associates, who will give his in-depth insight and expertise on grain marketing.

Show hours are Friday, Feb. 24, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, Feb. 25, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. “We encourage individuals who plan to attend the Mid-South Farm and Gin Show to pre-register online by clicking on the “attendee registration” button on the show website: www.farmandginshow.com.  Pre-registering for the show will make on-site printing of name badges fast and easy, Price said. “Individuals who register by Feb. 10 will be included in a drawing for a $1,000 cash prize. This is one of many cash prizes awarded at the show.”

Attendees can also download the show’s mobile app, which is available in iOS and Android stores, Price said. “Each year we add some features that enhance the experience and provide additional information. With the renovated Convention Center, the app will be a very valuable download for attendees. It includes maps, exhibitor locations, and more. We hope attendees will take advantage of it.”

For additional information about the show, contact Price at 901-947-3104 or visit the show website: www.farmandginshow.com