Update: Here are highlights from last year's show and some things you may find at the 2015 Hay and Forage Expo

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The Hay & Forage Expo is just days away and exhibit setup is under way. With the recent rains in the past week, the hay crop looks great. Just over an inch of rain came with the last wave of storms.

Sunday, the crew mowed everything down for dry hay in preparation for the show demonstrations this Wednesday and Thursday. The alfalfa acres are owned by Farm Progress Show host farmer Eric Ziel.

Mowing, Baling Demos Draw Crowd

A 10-acre exhibit field will highlight displays from the major and shortline specialty manufacturers, seed, building and storage facility suppliers, and a range of related product suppliers. Exhibitors plan to showcase a host of new products aimed at boosting the efficiency and profitability of hay and forage production.

"The exhibit field is the place to discuss seed, hay marketing, crop production, conservation and more. There will be educational exhibits, hay and forage grounds and others," notes Matt Jungmann, National Shows Manager.

Educational exhibits
In addition to the field demonstrations, you will want to visit the exhibitors on the exhibit field where you can learn more about the equipment that is operated in the field as well as other manufactures who are not demonstrating.

Don't forget the Haying Industries Tent. Here you will find the latest in livestock feeding and handling equipment as well as information on seed, forage crop protection products and much more.

There is a huge educational component to the Hay & Forage Expo as well. For example, Iowa State University and other agencies and organizations will have specialists on hand to answer your questions about growing forages.

Each show day will feature an informative seminar. "Weather Outlook for 2014 and Beyond" will be presented Wednesday, May 25 by Elwynn Taylor, Iowa State Univ. Ext. Climatologist. "Corn Stover — Managing and Selling Biomass to a Cellulosic Biorefinery" will be presented Thursday, May 26 by Matt Darr, assoc. professor, Iowa State Univ., Dept. of Agricultural and Biosystems.

Photo Gallery: CROWDS GATHER >>>

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CROWDS GATHER: Crowds of people flocked to the north alfalfa fields to watch the various equipment being demonstrated. All equipment under the same conditions in the same field gave onlookers a chance to see the equimpent at work.

Next: INSPECTION >>>

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INSPECTION: After the baling was completed, the crowd was able to get up close and personal to check out the bales.

Next: TALK TO THE PROS >>>

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TALK TO THE PRO: Customers are able to speak to the different companies about the equipment.

Next: THE BALE DROP >>>

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THE BALE DROP: After the baling is complete, the different balers line up and drop their finished, and in some cases, wrapped bale for onlookers to check out.

Next: BIRD'S EYE VIEW >>>

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BIRD'S EYE VIEW: Getting an over head look at the show grounds. In the foreground is John Deere's lot, in the background you have parking to the upper left and the HIT tent to the upper right.

Next: GREAT HOSPITALITY >>>

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HOSPITALITY: In the HIT tent you can find various industry exhibitors including the Wallces Farmer/Farm Progress media booth.