ROCHESTER — It’s that time of the year again, when Graham Arenas will be filled with farming, food and fun.
The 36th annual Agri News Farm Show will be on the Olmsted County Fairgrounds on Tuesday and Wednesday with more than 100 exhibitors.
Visitors can talk with owners of local businesses that specialize in everything from seeds, to dairy equipment to twine.
Paul Wingert, of Wingert Sales and Service, has attended the Farm Show since 1995, bringing a variety of products to potential customers.
The owner of the Plainview business that specializes in livestock and fabrication repair called the Farm Show "one of the finest shows I’ve gone to."
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Dairyland Equipment Service, another Plainview company, has been attending the Farm Show for 20 years.
Originally started in 1968 as a BouMatic dealer, the company has expanded its product line to things such as DCC Waterbeds, Calf Star and Lely Industries.
Gregg Luebke said he enjoys "seeing the people, visiting with the farmers, and seeing the new technology." Luebke said one of the new products they will feature is a robotic milking machine called The Vector. The machine mixes, feeds and pushes total mixed rations, all hands-free.
While there will be plenty of exhibitors with machines to marvel at, Alton, Iowa-based The Fine Twine is returning for its second year at the Farm Show.
Rick Keller said he wants to meet new customers.
Since 2002, The Fine Twine has been providing hay products such as baler twine, hay tarps and net wrap.
Keller said they’ll be bringing back the same products from last year’s show, including their most popular seller, the hay knife.
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When: March 13-14.
Hours: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. March 13; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 14.
Where: Graham Arenas, Olmsted County Fairgrounds, 1580 Fairgrounds Ave. SE, Rochester.
Cost: Free admission. Free parking.
Who will be there: More than 100 exhibitors of everything you need on the farm.
Who else: Mychal Wilmes, retired managing editor of Agri News and author of a weekly column, will be at the Agri News booth from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. March 13, and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 14.
What to eat: The Olmsted County Pork Producers will serve pork sandwiches on March 13. Te Dairyland Beef Producers will serve beef sandwiches March 14. The Olmsted County American Dairy Association will have malts and ice cream both days.
