Did you get the new tractor or combine that was on your Christmas list? If not, there’s still time before planting. And you’ll have the perfect opportunity to view the latest equipment and machinery, along with the newest technology, at the Mid-South Farm and Gin Show, to be held March 2-3 at the Memphis Cook Convention Center.

“For two days, farmers can kick the tires on the latest equipment, and talk one-on-one with industry representatives who’ll have the latest information and technology available to help make the 2012 cropping season a success,” says Timothy Price, show manager. “This is the first opportunity for growers to see what’s new and have access to the industry’s top experts.”

The show will be celebrating its 60^th anniversary, he notes. “Fifty years is a milestone, as is 75 years — but 60 is also definitely noteworthy. In that time, it has become the South’s premier farm show and the South’s largest indoor farm show. We think it’s quite remarkable that, each year, thousands of decision-makers from the Mid-South and many other states attend the show.

“Many of these attendees tell us they make it an annual event, not only because it provides the first look at new farm machinery and equipment, and innovative products and services, but it also gives them an opportunity to connect with people they see only at this show. It’s really a family tradition for many families.”

Ninety-five percent of the show’s exhibit space is devoted to agriculture-related products and services, and there are many small and mid-sized companies and services that are seen only at this show, Price says.

 “We have many companies who have exhibited at the show for decades — some since the show debuted in 1952 — as well as companies that are just beginning to display their products and services. We’re fortunate to have a good mix of both.”

Sponsored by Southern Cotton Ginners Association and Foundation and Delta Farm Press, the show annually attracts 20,000 domestic and international decision-makers from every state and many foreign countries. Show data indicate the average farmer-attendee farms nearly 2,000 acres, growing cotton, soybeans, corn, rice, wheat, and livestock; over two-thirds have purchased products and services within six months of the show.

The timing of the annual trade show is attractive for many exhibitors, who travel to Memphis from states outside the Mid-South, Price says.

“Although we attract the most exhibitors from Tennessee, the second largest contingent of exhibitors originates in Illinois. Regardless of their location, our exhibitors are able to get in front of customers and prospects early in the year, which means they have a great opportunity to do business with farmers attending the show.”

The show offers Ag Update seminars Friday and Saturday at 8:30 a.m., featuring commodity outlooks and marketing information for grains and cotton, as well as comments from industry officials. Speakers for the Friday Ag Update session include Carl Brothers, Riceland Foods, and Joe Nicosia, Allenberg Cotton Co.  Saturday’s session features Richard Brock, Brock and Associates, who will give his in-depth insight and expertise on grain marketing.

Show hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, March 2, and 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, March 3. Those planning to attend the show are encouraged to pre-register online by clicking on the “attendee registration” button on the show’s website: www.farmandginshow.com.  Pre-registering will make on-site printing of name badges fast and easy, Price says.

Attendees can also download the show’s mobile app, available in early February. “This year, we have added some features that will enhance the experience and provide additional information,” Price says. “We hope attendees will take advantage of this app.”

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