It’s show time! In just a few days the 59^th Mid-South Farm & Gin Show will open at Memphis, offering growers and others connected with agriculture a look at the very latest in equipment, products, and services.

“We say it every year, and every year it’s true — this year’s show will be the biggest, best, most informative ever,” says Tim Price, executive vice president of the Southern Cotton Ginners Association, which sponsors the event, with Delta Farm Press as co-sponsor.

More than 400 exhibits will fill over 200,000 square feet of space in the exhibit halls of the downtown Cook Convention Center at Memphis Friday and Saturday, Feb. 25-26.

“With an outlook for continuing strong demand and prices for our Mid-South commodities and coming on the heels of an excellent crop year in 2010, there is a tremendous amount of optimism for agriculture as we go into the new season,” Price says.

“Our show provides an opportunity for attendees get an up close and personal look at a broad array of new equipment and the latest in technology, as well as learning about advances in chemicals, seed, nutrients, and other products and services to make their operations more efficient and profitable.”

There will also be a number of informational sessions focusing on marketing and two special seminars dealing with key issues and concerns confronting farmers.

A public service project of the show organizers and several exhibitors will be the acceptance of donations of food, clothing items, and cash to help the Mid-South Food Bank and other charities address food and fiber needs in the area.

Brand new this year for is the Gin Show Mobile App, available smart phones and all mobile platforms. “We are pleased to offer show attendees this tool to enhance their experience at the show and to enable them to better connect with vendors who provide the products and services they need,” Price says.