As the national anthem finished playing through the speakers around 8 a.m., across the Husker Harvest Days show site, one could hear an audible — “Play ball!” It was opening day for one of the largest farm shows in the country, and those inside and outside the gates were ready to get back in action, kicking tires and talking farming.

This year’s HHD ushered in the return to a live event. The three-day event offered visitors a front-row seat to combine, tillage and hay demonstrations. Add to those cattle handling and dog herding demonstrations.

Vendors showed off their new or tried-and-true products. Some hit it out of the park with new products —like Arrowquip, which brought the first Five-Star General cattle chute straight from the production line to HHD. Or Crustbuster, whose Deep Banding High Speed Nutrient Applicator was so new it didn’t even have the paint on it yet.

After COVID-19 canceled the event in 2020, this year’s HHD brought back the air of excitement surrounding farming and ranching. Individuals spent time walking the showgrounds, taking in events and talking to vendors and each other. That in itself is a win.

If you missed HHD this year, don’t worry — the photo gallery above offers a glimpse at the 2021 event. Just be ready for next “season,” and make plans to attend HHD Sept. 13-15, 2022.

Sarah McNaughton, Kevin Schulz and Curt Arens contributed to this report.