RALEIGH, N.C. — Since 1978, the Southern Farm Show has been the event farmers from across the Carolinas and Virginia look forward to each year. They know it’s their annual chance to see latest in farm equipment and speak with experts as they prepare for the coming growing season. That anticipation is heightened for this year’s February 2-4 show because government restrictions prohibited the 2021 show from taking place.
The good news for farmers attending this year’s show is that despite a year off, the show is as big and vibrant as ever. The largest trade show of any type held in the three states, the Southern Farm Show uses most of the NC State Fairgrounds. Close to 400 companies fill four exhibit halls, acres of outdoor exhibits and five large exhibit tents.
While the huge array of equipment, supplies and services on display is impressive, farmers attending the show will tell you that it’s the know-how, as much as the products, they are seeking there. Equipment factory representatives, and experts from every field of agriculture, are on hand to answer questions and share knowledge. And while most of the knowledge gained is one-on-one, the show also offers a wide variety of structured learning, including commodity meetings, continuing education and economic forums.
Gatherings at this year’s show include the annual meetings of both the NC Grower’s Association and the North Carolina Tobacco Grower’s Association. The NC Department of Agriculture’s AG Development Forum will be held on Thursday. It includes the annual State of Agriculture address by Agricultural Commissioner Steve Troxler.
The show also caters to the construction and landscaping industries, providing those professionals with the region’s most extensive annual display of equipment for their needs. Many part-time farmers are also involved full-time in these industries.
While the show is mainly about the business of agriculture, a lumberjack show sponsored by Stihl, a chance to test drive Chevrolet trucks, and bluegrass entertainment provided the Farm Credit Associations of NC do provide some fun for the estimated 30,000 who attend the show.
The Southern Farm Show runs February 2-4. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. Admission and parking are free. For more information, contact Southern Shows at (704) 494-7544 or visit www.SouthernFarmShow.com.
For more information, contact Show Manager David Zimmerman at 704-494-7544 or dzimmerman@southernshows.com
–Southern Farm Show
