Wisconsin Farm Technology Days Inc. announced that the 2021 show at the Jefferson County Fair Park has been canceled. According to Matt Glewen, Wisconsin Farm Technology Days general manager, the WFTD state board will be focusing its efforts on the 2020 show in Eau Claire County and the 2022 show in Clark County.

“We listened to our exhibitors,” Glewen said in a news release emailed Oct. 7. “After more than 60 years of on-farm shows, they felt the combination of a slow agricultural economy coupled with a nontraditional off-farm site would not have the level of appeal to attract the large numbers of attendees needed to host a successful show.”

Jefferson County hosted the 2019 show July 23-25 at the Walter Family Farm 3 miles south of Watertown. Only about 12,000 visitors attended the three-day show, even though it was well organized, had perfect weather all three days, and had more than 500 exhibitors. According to organizers of the 2018 show in Wood County, more than 40,000 visitors attended that show.

Moving forward

“The Wisconsin Farm Technology Days state board is excited about the prospects for the upcoming 2020 show slated to be held at the Silver Springs horseradish farm in Eau Claire County,” Glewen said. Silver Springs, the largest horseradish producer in the world, will be opening its farm to provide attendees an inside look into the world of horseradish production.

“Attendees will have the opportunity to see and learn how horseradish is grown and harvested,” Glewen added. “Also on tap will be a tour of nearby Nellie Holsteins, a recently constructed 200-cow dairy operated by the Nelson family.”

Meanwhile, Clark County, the host of the 2022 show, announced Oct. 8 that Roehl Acres of Loyal has been selected as the host. The farm is owned by Dennis and Suzie Roehl and their family. Roehl Acres farms 750 acres and has more than 500 registered dairy cattle.

“In 1983, I went to my first Farm Progress Days Show,” Dennis Roehl said. “I was 14 years old, and I thought it was the greatest thing I had ever been to. Now, 36 years later I will be the host farm for Farm Technology Days 2022. In a way, I have been preparing for this all of my life.” 

Richard Halopka, Clark County Extension crops and soils agent, said the county is looking forward to hosting the show. “Clark County offers the traditional feel of agriculture but has adapted to many of the new technologies available for use in agriculture,” Halopka said. “We are excited to host the show with our theme: Where Tradition and Technology Meet.”

The Clark County show is scheduled for July 12-14, 2022.