By Chris Kick
Visitors to this year’s Farm Progress Show near Boone can expect to see a wide variety of displays inside the Iowa State University exhibit, located on the corner of Seventh Street and Central Avenue.
A miniature Iowa State University football field showcasing turfgrass, vegetables growing on water and hand-held apps that can identify insects and weeds will all be a part of this year’s display.
“This year’s exhibit has something for everyone – from row crop farmers to those interested in horticulture, forestry or organic agriculture,” said Jay Harmon, co-chairman of the Iowa State space at the show and director of Agriculture and Natural Resources with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. “I look forward to seeing Iowans and beyond as they visit our display and make their way through our tent.”
Eight content areas will be featured, including artificial intelligence, agricultural well-being, weather, horticulture, plant diseases, prairie strips, soil health and compaction.
There will also be outdoor exhibits related to turfgrass, forestry and wildlife, as well as the Cyclone Power Pullers student club. And for those looking for a refreshing snack – the Iowa State University Bookstore will be selling ice cream from the Iowa State Creamery.
Iowa State experts will be on the grounds all three days, working aside graduate students and a host of volunteers who can help answer questions and provide useful resources.
“I think this is our best designed show ever,” said Kendall Lamkey, show co-chair and research farms director at Iowa State. “We have a wide range of content and as always, this is a chance to interact with our faculty and staff in person, while learning about research and resources that are available.”
Lamkey said the show is also a great place for experts to hear from farmers and the public about the issues that are on their mind and the challenges they are facing.
“I want people to come and get to know someone from Iowa State, and to share their thoughts about things we should be doing better or things they might know that we do not,” he said. “The Farm Progress Show is a place of learning, and learning is a two-way street.”
Iowa State’s exhibit spans nearly 6,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space, showcasing the latest in agricultural research and technology.
Matt Jungmann, Farm Progress Show manager, said the Iowa State exhibit is a popular place for people to interact and learn directly from experts.
“The Iowa State exhibit is toward the top of people’s list because they know they can come and meet with the experts and put a face to the name,” Jungmann said. “It’s an attractive exhibit and the people who visit gain an organic knowledge through conversation with the experts.”
Learn more about our exhibit in the following articles, available from ISU Extension and Outreach:
The Farm Progress will be held at the Central Iowa Expo Center, located at 1827 217th Road, Boone. Tickets can be purchased on the show website, https://www.farmprogressshow.com/en/attend/buy-tickets.html.
Source : iastate.edu