Farmers, agribusiness representatives, and others interested in Mid-South agriculture are marking their calendars for Feb. 27-28, dates for the 57th annual Mid-South Farm & Gin Show, the South’s largest indoor farm show.

The event will feature approximately 400 exhibitors from more than 40 states and eight foreign countries and will occupy over 200,000 square feet of exhibit space in the convention center.

It is sponsored by the Southern Cotton Ginners Association and Foundation, with Delta Farm Press as co-sponsor.

“Every year we welcome new and different attractions,” says Tim Price, executive vice president of the Southern Cotton Ginners Association and Foundation, who is show manager. “Those who attend will get the season’s first look at a wide array of the latest equipment, inputs, services and new technologies, all of which are designed for today’s progressive farm and agribusiness operations.

The show is a perennial “must-attend” for farmers, ginners, and others, with more than 20,000 decision-makers coming each year. “It’s a tradition,” he says.

“We’re excited about the number of new products — both from traditional exhibitors and those who are new to the show.”

Of major interest at this year’s show, Price says, will be the opportunity for attendees to learn about the latest developments in cotton harvesters with on-board module builders, and the newest precision ag technologies, along with new chemistries, seed, and a host of other products and services.

“Biotechnology continues to have a major impact on our industry, as will be reflected in all the exhibits related to crop seeds, agrichemicals, and all the related products and services,” Price says.

“Agriculture has experienced major shifts in acreages in the past few years, as a lot of issues and trends converged. Farmers continue to adapt and change as they evaluate the impact of markets, energy demands, and other key influences.”

The show’s popular Ag Update Seminars, to be held Friday and Saturday mornings at 8:30, will focus on the outlook for crops and legislation.

Richard Brock, president, Brock Associates, will conduct his popular grain marketing outlook seminar Saturday morning, offering strategies and projections for 2009. Brock will also discuss agriculture issues and bio-energy.

“It’s going to be a great show,” Price says, “and we hope everyone will plan to bring the family for an informative, fun-packed weekend in Memphis.”

Exhibit areas at the show will be open Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

In addition to the show and Ag Update Seminars, members of the Southern Cotton Ginners Association will be holding their annual meeting during the week. A complete schedule of all the events connected with the show will be made available later.

For additional information, contact the association at (901) 947-3104 or visit the Web site: www.southerncottonginners.org.