58th Annual Event Returns Feb. 22-24 to the American Royal in Kansas City, Mo.
Agricultural technology continues to advance at a rapid pace. Farmers and ranchers can inspect aisles and aisles of the latest products and services to help boost the performance of their operations at the 2019 Western Farm Show to be held Friday through Sunday, February 22-24, at the American Royal Complex in Kansas City, Missouri.
Now in its 58th season, the Western Farm Show features one of the region’s largest indoor displays of farm and ranch products. With 500 exhibitors and 400,000 square feet of exhibit space, all under one roof, attendees will find expansive displays of new equipment, farm structures, fertilizer, feed, seed, tools and much more.
There’s plenty to see, learn and enjoy throughout the weekend for the entire family, said Ken Dean, Western Farm Show manager.
The Stockmanship and Stewardship Low-Stress Livestock Handling Demonstration, sponsored by MFA Incorporated, will be held at 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 23, in the Scott Pavilion adjacent to the American Royal. The demonstrations are led by Dr. Ron Gill, Ph.D., Texas AgriLife Extension Specialist, who has been providing technical expertise to livestock producers in beef cattle nutrition, management and livestock handling techniques for over 22 years.
Ranchers can learn how to incorporate the economic benefits of improved livestock handling through reduced sickness and labor and improved weight gains. “This is a must-attend event for livestock producers, regardless of the size of their operation,” Dean said. Admission is free to all Western Farm Show attendees.
The Health & Safety Roundup will again be coordinated by the Missouri Farm Bureau, offering blood pressure, hearing and vision screenings at no cost, as well as cholesterol screenings for a nominal fee. Highway safety will be presented by the Missouri and Kansas Highway Patrols, while other organizations will offer displays and demonstrations covering such topics as gun safety, crime prevention, hazardous materials and grain bin safety.
Diane Olson, director of promotion and education for the Missouri Farm Bureau, noted that many show attendees consider a stop at the Health & Safety Roundup to be their annual physical checkup. “While it is not intended to take the place of a regular wellness exam, in some cases these screenings have alerted participants to consult with their doctor before potential health issues become more serious,” Olson said.
Dean said an annual show favorite, FFA Day, will be held Friday, Feb. 22, drawing an expected 3,000 FFA students from Missouri and Kansas to compete for bragging rights in the “Border War” food drive. Collections of the non-perishable items are donated to Harvester’s – The Community Food Network, a regional food bank serving a 26-county area of northwestern Missouri and northeastern Kansas. FFA Day is conducted each year in support of National FFA Week.
“During the past seven years, more than 31,000 pounds of food have been donated, enabling Harvesters to provide more than 25,000 meals,” Dean added. “Participating FFA youth also have the opportunity during the show to expand their knowledge of agriculture and learn about the many career opportunities the industry offers.” Included is the Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology exhibit, which will feature its Equipment Technician Training Program for students looking to earn a degree in equipment maintenance and repair.
For attendees wanting to take a break from the trade show floor, a special area on the upper level of the American Royal is where the Family Living Center can be found. Here attendees can shop for clothing, crafts, and food, health and home décor products.
“With the latest in farm and ranch technology, and acres of things to see and do, the Western Farm Show is proud to rank as one of the best indoor agricultural shows in America’s heartland,” Dean said. “And with the many outstanding accommodations, restaurants and attractions that Kansas City offers, the show can be part of a great weekend experience for the whole family.”
The Western Farm Show is produced by the Western Equipment Dealers Association, which represents regional agricultural equipment dealers. Show hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Feb. 22-23; and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 24. Adult tickets are $10 daily. Children ages 12 and under are free. A $3 off coupon is available by filling out a survey on the show’s website or visiting a participating dealer member of the Western Equipment Dealers Association.
For more information visit www.westernfarmshow.com, like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/WesternFarmShow and follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/WesternFarmShow.
