The 2018 Farm Progress Show, held from August 28 to 30 in Boone, Iowa, represented one of the largest outdoor agricultural gatherings in the United States. Designed for serious growers, producers, and agribusiness professionals, the event provided a platform for manufacturers and technology providers to showcase innovations and solutions aimed at improving farm operations. While the event is primarily a trade show focused on business-to-business interactions, it generated a variety of digital resources and promotional materials that were made available to the public and media outlets.
Event Overview and Scope
The Farm Progress Show is characterized as the nation's largest outdoor farm show, bringing together a diverse array of exhibitors and attendees. According to the event organizers, the show is intended to facilitate connections between farmers and a wide variety of exhibitors, allowing producers to learn about opportunities and solutions that can help their own operations. The 2018 edition highlighted major industry players and emerging technologies, with a specific focus on precision agriculture, equipment compatibility, and chemical advancements.
Featured Companies and Product Introductions
Several prominent companies were highlighted at the 2018 show, including AMVAC, Bayer, BASF, and John Deere. These companies utilized the platform to announce new products and discuss industry issues.
Reichhardt Electronic Innovations
One of the notable product introductions came from Reichhardt Electronic Innovations, which attended the show to launch its newest product, GREEN FIT. This device functions as a gateway between machine language and technology language. The interface is designed to provide growers with the ability to use an AutoTrac guidance system across a variety of equipment brands. The primary benefit cited is the elimination of the burden of learning and converting to a new steering system when purchasing equipment from a different brand.
BASF and Chemical Discussions
BASF held a press conference specifically addressing Dicamba, a significant topic in the agricultural chemical sector at the time. This session provided insights into the company's stance and updates regarding the product.
Bayer Activities and Panels
Bayer hosted several panels and interviews at the event. Topics included: * Next Generation Agriculture: A grower panel discussion focused on preparing for the future of agriculture. * Delaro Product Benefits: A presentation on the positive plant health benefits associated with Bayer's Delaro product. * Weed Management: An advocacy for a zero tolerance approach to weeds. * Sustainability: An interview regarding Bayer’s Fluency Agent Advanced, focusing on sustainability aspects of seed growth product development.
Digital Media and Press Resources
A significant component of the 2018 Farm Progress Show was the provision of free digital media resources. A virtual ag newsroom was established, offering links to photos and audio content available free of charge for digital or print publication or broadcast. This allowed for widespread dissemination of event highlights and company announcements.
Available Audio Content
The event generated a substantial amount of audio content, including: * Opening Press Conference: Marking the commencement of the show. * Smart Ag Demonstrations: Coverage of driverless tractor demonstrations and related press conferences. * Weather Announcements: Updates regarding weather conditions affecting the event. * Policy and Industry Support: Audio featuring Secretary Sonny Perdue expressing support for ethanol and participating in a Renewable Fuels Association (RFS) rally. Other audio included interviews with representatives from the Renewable Fuels Association, Al-Corn Clean Energy, and the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA). * Farmer Interviews: Discussions with farmers such as Todd Golly regarding plant health. * Integration Updates: Press conferences covering the Bayer Monsanto integration.
Visual Content
Photos were made available for various branded newsrooms, including: * AMVAC at 2018 Farm Progress Show * Bayer at 2018 Farm Progress Show * John Deere at 2018 Farm Progress Show * BASF at 2018 Farm Progress Show
Policy and Industry Discussions
The show served as a venue for significant policy discussions. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue was present, commenting on current issues and participating in a press gaggle. The event also featured a "Farmers for Free Trade" press conference involving the National Corn Growers Association, where new NCGA officers discussed top issues facing the industry.
Weather Impact
The 2018 Farm Progress Show experienced weather-related disruptions. Specifically, weather caused an early end to the activities on Day One of the event. This necessitated a weather announcement to inform attendees and participants of the schedule changes.
Relevance to Consumers and Deal Seekers
While the Farm Progress Show is a B2B event, it offers value to consumers interested in agricultural technology and industry trends. The free digital media resources provide an accessible way for the public to view the latest in farm equipment and technology. For consumers who follow agricultural developments, the audio and photo archives serve as a record of industry advancements and policy discussions that may eventually impact food production and pricing. The availability of these materials free of charge allows for educational access to otherwise proprietary trade show content.
Conclusion
The 2018 Farm Progress Show successfully highlighted major technological advancements and policy discussions within the agricultural sector. Through the provision of a virtual ag newsroom, the event made a wealth of photos and audio content available to the public and media at no cost. Key highlights included the introduction of the GREEN FIT interface by Reichhardt Electronic Innovations, extensive coverage of chemical and equipment innovations by major companies like BASF and Bayer, and significant policy addresses by government officials. While the event itself was a ticketed trade show, the digital legacy provides a valuable resource for understanding the state of agriculture in 2018.