Sixty-two years ago, when the Mid-South Farm and Gin Show was first launched, the show’s organizers were focused on providing educational opportunities for farmers and others attending the show. Seminars, Ag Updates, and educational sessions continue to be a mainstay of the show and have become must-attend events for decision-makers.

Today, those sessions not only remain a key component of the show, they’re popular events that in many cases are standing-room-only. George LaCour, chairman of Southern Cotton Ginners Association, says the Mid-South Farm and Gin Show is a must-attend event for the information that’s available.

The 62^nd annual show is scheduled for Feb. 28 – March 1 at the downtown Cook Convention Center at Memphis. The event is sponsored by the Southern Cotton Ginners Association and Foundation, with Delta Farm Press as co-sponsor.

Related: Download the mobile app for the 2014 Mid-South Farm & Gin Show

“Farmers must attend the show to get the latest market news from Joe Nicosia and Richard Brock,” LaCour says. “They are don’t-miss sessions. Everyone who attends the show walks away with something of value, whether it’s new farming ideas or new friends — no one leaves empty-handed.”

Tim Price, show manager, says farmers face many issues each year, from production and marketing issues to legislative challenges. “The show provides an opportunity for bringing together experts in all these areas to providing farmers crucial information about the challenges they will face in any given year.”

Ag Update seminars, scheduled for Friday and Saturday mornings at 8:30 a.m. in the lobby meeting room, will kick off the educational opportunities.

Friday’s session features industry updates, supply/demand outlooks for rice, wheat, and cotton, and market outlooks for all major Mid-South crops.

“We have been through some rather volatile years in the marketplace,” Price says, “and now we’re looking toward lower commodity prices, in some instances. Farmers attending the Friday seminar will hear the latest information on the potential for Mid-South agriculture, as well as what’s in store for the entire industry.”

On Saturday, March 1, Richard Brock, Brock Associates, Milwaukee, Wisc., will provide his unique insight and analysis of grain markets and offer marketing recommendations for the coming year. And, given the situation in Washington, Price says, Brock will also likely have comments about the political environment, the farm bill, and their impact on agriculture.

“This session is extremely popular, and far beyond a high-level overview,” Price says. “Richard Brock is very direct in his recommendations on how to weather uncertainties. He knows the markets and makes solid recommendations for taking advantage of opportunities.”

Individuals interested in attending can now register for the show online at www.farmandginshow.com. Click on “attendee registration” on the left banner. Pre-registering online will make it easy to take advantage of a quicker on-site registration process for printing name badges.

“By pre-registering online,” Price says, “we can make the registration process much easier and everyone can get to the exhibits instead of waiting in line to fill out a form and waiting again for their name badge to print.” Staff will be on hand to assist attendees who have pre-registered, as well as those who prefer to register on site.

Show attendees can download a mobile app to enhance their show experience. The app features show schedules and updates, maps and exhibitor information, all designed to enhance their showgoing/Memphis experience. “The app continues to improve as we receive feedback on ways to make it even more functional,” Price says.

LaCour encourages farmers and others to attend the show to keep up with the latest advances and technology, but says one of his favorite aspects of the show is catching up with all his friends in agriculture. “This is the last meeting in the Mid-South before everyone goes home to make a crop,” he says. “You never want to miss this show or miss seeing your friends.”

Show hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Feb. 28, and 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., March 1. More information about the seminars and show is available at www.farmandginshow.com and at the show’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/farmandginshow.