The Southern Farm Show, originally scheduled for Feb. 3-5 at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds in Raleigh, has been cancelled. 

“We know this is very disappointing news for the farmers and other guests who attend the show each year, as well as the many companies that count on the show to create business. However, when we looked at the entire scenario, it did not make sense to have the show this year.” said David Zimmerman, Southern Farm Show manager. 

Among those concerns are current government mandates that would not allow the meetings, education sessions and many other normal show gatherings to take place. 

“The idea of a show where everyone is behind a mask, show guests would be required to travel one way through the show to encourage social distancing, and good friends would not be allowed to shake hands, did not appeal to anyone. But mainly, our concern was for everyone’s health. The last thing we wanted is for someone to be unknowingly contagious, and spread the virus to others,” Zimmerman said.

This marks the first time that the Southern Farm Show has been cancelled. It is the largest agricultural exposition in the Carolinas and Virginia. It is also the second largest event held each year at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds, second only to the North Carolina State Fair. More  than 30,000 normally attend the three-day show.

Plans are already underway for the next Southern Farm Show set for Feb. 2-4, 2022.