We know it is the largest totally irrigated working farm show in the world. That’s a given. But how about the data and the numbers? Farmers are always interested in seeing the data, so we compiled some of the numbers from Husker Harvest Days to encompass the impact of the show.

Giving back

HHD gives back to the community and the region in central Nebraska in a big way. The annual food drive held during HHD, gathering nonperishable food items from FFA members and others, yields just over 15,000 pounds, or 7.5 tons of food, that is collected at HHD and distributed to 21 organizations.

Besides the food drive, Farm Progress and HHD give $135,900 in discounted or complimentary space for 50 exhibitors, totaling 135,680 square feet of exhibit space. About $8,000 is offered in support made through food stand purchases from five organizations along with $5,400 given annually in HHD scholarships for outstanding local high school graduates toward their college education. Top that off with $50,000 in donations made to more than 20 local nonprofit organizations.

Talking beef

How about our largest industry, beef? Live cattle handling and side-by-side chute comparisons have been a mainstay at HHD for decades. On average, about nine chute companies participate and five beef breed associations are represented on the show site, along with almost 60 livestock product companies. The big number is about 33,600 ribeye steaks represented at HHD cattle-handling demos over the years it has been held at the show.

For the health of it

The well-being of farmers also is important at HHD, so a tradition has been carried on, promoting health and wellness through health screenings and other numerous wellness checks through agencies on the site. In 2023 alone, these health care professionals offered more than 1,330 blood pressure checks, 451 skin cancer screenings, 289 PSA draws and 432 conversations about colorectal cancer screening; distributed 20,000 N95 masks; and had over 2,000 conversations about quitting tobacco use.

From stories coming in from HHD visitors, these screenings and health conversations with farmers have saved lives.

Learn more about HHD online at huskerharvestdays.com.