Keeping informed these days is no easy matter. One productive way is to attend a major farm show and capture all the information you can in a short amount of time. A key tool for that at some shows is the seminar, and for the National Farm Machinery Show, Farm Futures is sponsoring four during three days of the show.

The aim of the seminars is to put you in touch with hot ideas, advancements and technology you'll learn more about on the show floor. From combines to data dashboards, from tillage to in-season fertilizer application, the team has rounded up a wide-ranging group of speakers. Planning on taking in the big Louisville event? Besides marking your calendar for these seminars, you'll also want to download the show app.

Just search the Apple Store or Google Play for "National Farm Machinery Show 2018" and be sure you find the 2018 version. You'll have a range of handy information right on your phone, so make plans to download that today.

As for the seminars? Check out this list. All seminars are in South Wing B 104.

Feb. 14, 1 p.m. - What's new with combines?

Innovation in the combine market is ramping up. New sensors, onboard systems for calibration and enhanced harvest efficiency designs have come to market and more is planned for 2018. Experts from all the major combine makers will be on hand for this informative session.

Feb. 15, 1 p.m. - Tillage trends for 2018 and beyond?

The rise of vertical tillage, shallow tillage and other seedbed prep approaches has farmers scratching their heads about what's coming next. Stop by this seminar and get the latest information on ways farmers are approaching tillage in their operations.

Feb. 15, 4 p.m. - Bringing tech together

There's a growing pile of data being captured on your farm, so how do you put that all to work? This panel will address that from a range of different perspectives, and offer you some real-world answers to the big data questions; along with a look at some new tools for making better decisions on the farm.

Feb. 16, 1 p.m. - In-season crop fertility - options for your farm

Farmers are learning that spreading out fertilizer applications can make a difference, so how do you do that? And what are the options for you to consider. This panel will address a range of issues to consider for your farm.