Farm Progress Show won't disappoint

DECATUR – Next week’s Farm Progress Show in Decatur won’t disappoint as some new attractions are planned for the three-day event near Richland Community College.

BASF will sponsor “living acres” plots which attract beneficial insects and pollinators such as bees and butterflies. The plots are located near the media tent and main gate. An arts and crafts tent will feature 30 exhibitors selling paintings, clothing, jewelry and food. Also, the Syngenta Square includes a beer tent with local music. Different craft beer will be included from breweries in Champaign and St. Louis.

Wednesday’s highlight will be a free concert from country superstar Easton Corbin from 5-6 p.m. sponsored by RAM Trucks to be held in the RAM “ride and drive” area near the Farm Progress Show grounds. John Deere will provide driving experiences with Gators and small tractors and the Illinois Soybean Association has a double-crop plot where the wheat just came off in June.

The show grounds include a new 10-acre addition which was just added in 2015.

“That has been a great investment,” said Matt Jungmann, events director for Farm Progress.

Wednesday will also be a big day for the show as a number of congressmen are expected on the grounds along with governors and the Secretary of Agriculture, since a farm bill listening session is planned. You’ll find a blast from the past at the Case IH exhibit area as an old 1460 Axial Flow combine is on display along with other equipment from the company’s past.

Horse training demonstrations will also return for this year’s show. Demos will be on 10th Street and First Avenue and held at various times.

Show officials suggest downloading the Farm Progress Show app to find out everything you want to know. Users can search by exhibitor or category.

“It’s a great resource and it’s all on your phone,” said Dena Morgan, marketing specialist with Farm Progress.

Those attending the show should use the hashtag #FPS17 on Facebook and Twitter when referring to the event.