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"This year's show is a month earlier
than past shows because show visitors and exhibitors requested a
timing change," says Don Tourte, national shows director. "Now
exhibitors and visitors can more easily attend the Farm Progress
Show and not worry about missing a harvest 'window of opportunity,'"
he says.
The 51st annual show offers a
spectacular lineup of new features, including an expanded exhibit
area, field and livestock demonstrations with new events, and it
introduces activities sponsored by the American Quarter Horse
Association.
The show, known as the "Super Bowl of
Agriculture," returns to the site of its 2002 show on the farms
operated by the families of Jack and Steve Holland; Harold Lande;
Dean, Ray and Del Stall; and Steve and Todd Twedt.
"We are very excited to once again work
with the same great group of families who hosted our last Iowa show
and contributed greatly to its outstanding success," says Tourte.
"They are terrific hosts. The site is one of the best for our
exhibitor Tent City and field demonstrations, plus it provides easy
access for visitors to this tremendous agricultural area."
This show is set to host nearly 400
exhibitors displaying new farm equipment, tractors, combines and
farm implements; seed and crop protection products; and many other
production items. Ag manufacturers and suppliers from across the
country and around the world and are set to participate. This year's
show features added focus on the latest agricultural high-tech
equipment, including computer-controlled guidance systems, satellite
imagery, GPS-based management systems and a long list of
state-of-the-art information and technology available for today's
farms.
Field demonstrations are a show
mainstay and include side-by-side equipment, tractor and combine
performance comparisons on hundreds of corn acres available for
harvesting, tillage and tiling demonstrations. Demonstrations run
from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. each show day.
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Live cattle-handling demonstrations
include the newest cattle chutes, equipment, animal health products
and work techniques. Demos will be conducted each show day, starting
at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. The Young Pro Ropers will have roping clinics
each day, and Farm Progress' own "horse whisperer," Craig Cameron,
also performs daily at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Family entertainment is featured
throughout the day in the Farm and Fireside Tent, including
speakers, demonstrators and other entertainers. Presenters include
Jerry Kluver, manager of Earl May Garden Center in West Des Moines,
with gardening and landscaping ideas; Joanna Lund, with her healthy
cooking demonstrations modeled from her Iowa Public Television
series; comedians Beck and Robertson; antique specialists Vern and
Martha Bear; and others.
The Arts and Crafts Tent is a favorite
shopping stop for home decorations, clothing, novelties,
collectibles, art and other craft items.
Hearty meals, tasty treats and
refreshments will be available at the show.
The 2004 Farm Progress Show site is
located one-half mile west of Interstate 35 and two miles east of
Alleman. The site is approximately 30 minutes north of downtown Des
Moines, Iowa.
The show exhibit field is open to
visitors from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The public is welcome.
The show is hosted by Wallaces Farmer
magazine.
For
additional information, visit
www.FarmProgressShow.com.
[News release]
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