Last week, Kurt and John embarked on an epic journey through the cornfields of Illinois to attend the Farm Progress Show. Did you guys know that Illinois in the summer is hot? Sweltering, even? I think we all know that, deep in our heart of hearts. But knowing it and experiencing it are two different things. Now, I can’t confirm this, but it’s entirely possible that Country Financial’s booth, which featured both shaded seating and free lemonade, saved Kurt and John’s lives. Thanks, Country Financial.
Having lived to tell the tale, here’s what else Kurt and John learned.
1. Farm Progress is all about education. There were quite a few FFA clubs in attendance, and a lot of the activations were youth-oriented and fun. Example: Country Financial hosted a scavenger hunt geared towards teaching kids and young adults about grain handling safety.
2. Thematically, the name of the game at Farm Progress was “What’s next?” Many activations were focused on the future of agricultural innovation, which lies largely in software, drones, and smart devices.
3. Though the future of agriculture was a big deal, there were plenty of antique tractors on display paying homage to the heritage of the industry.
4. Personally, I was shocked to see just how freakin’ gigantic some of these trucks and combines were. Pictured here is one from New Holland. Take it in. Let it blow your mind.
5. There were experts on hand at every turn. Example: the Dow/Mycogen Seeds/Pfister product showcase had knowledgable staffers available who explained the product innovation and how it could improve farming operations.
6. Drone demos took place, which was a Farm Progress Show first.
7. From field demonstrations (like the Ford F-150 Experience) to trials (like the Honda Ride-n-Drive), the whole experience was very hands-on. There were even interactive exhibits and product simulators, like the American Welding Society’s welding simulation game that allowed you to practice welding metal in a virtual environment. You were scored based upon your performance.
8. In related news, John and Kurt are not going to be welders.
9. The Farm Progress Show was big on new product rollouts, including products that were still in their prototyping stages. Some inventors and manufacturers brought prototypes in for demos, and they got feedback directly from the agricultural community.
10. New Holland knows how to make one heck of a snow cone.