Set up for the 2010 Farm Progress Show began July 1 and will continue until the beginning of the show which runs from Aug. 31 to Sept. 2, along U.S. Highway 30, east of Boone.

BOONE – The 57th annual Farm Progress Show is scheduled to be held Aug. 31 through Sept. 2 for the second time on their new biennial site near Boone.

The FPS rotates between Decatur, Ill. and the site just east of Boone.

“This site is the wheelhouse of everything,” said Matt Jungmann, National Shows manager. “It meshes perfectly with attracting the greatest number of guests and is centrally located with the easy access, facilities and roads.”

Jungmann said preparing for large shows like the 2010 Farm Progress Show is never ending and this year’s show preparation began as soon as the 2008 show started with notes and then when the 2009 show ended in Decatur last year. Official set up for this year’s show began July 1 when tents began getting erected.

Although it has been a rainy summer, Jungmann said the site, which is only just over a few years old has handled the rain well, even the several inches that fell a few weeks ago flooding nearby Ames.

Great Plains equipment has already been delivered to the company's lot in preparation for the 2010 Farm Progress Show.

“The site is now complete and has had a few years to settle we have experience on our side from food served to exhibitors, everyone knows where they are going which is easier on us,” said Jungmann. “The site has been handling the weather and it’s been real positive all the way around.”

The show is set up on an 88-acre rectangle with streets that are intersected, Jungmann said, in three east-west routes and 13 streets.

This set up helps show goers easily follow a map to find their favorite exhibits. A new tool on the show’s web site is designed to help visitors not only find their way to certain exhibits, but will allow them to plan their day.

The Interactive Show map at: www.FarmProgressShow.com) allows attendees to map their trip through the searchable exhibitor list, a map of the show floor, preview what exhibitors will be showing all through the “My Show Planner” section of the Interactive Show map.

Also new to the web site, Jungmann said, are four new web cams that will allow one to view the show from above.

Set up for the 2010 Farm Progress Show began July 1 and will continue until the beginning of the show which runs from Aug. 31-Sept. 2, along U.S. Highway 30, east of Boone.

Discounted tickets can also be purchased online as well as information regarding the new shuttle service that will run from Des Moines to the Farm Progress Show.

Jungmann said the shuttle has become available for primarily international and travelling visitors that will come from 44 states and 56 counties.

Although the purpose of the Farm Progress Show, of being the nation’s greatest agricultural showcase, remains the same, Jungmann said, each show has its own personality.

“It amazes me how much the shows are different,” he said. “What makes it different to the farmer is what the exhibitor brings to it. They bring the things to attract the growers by bringing their newest stuff and they will also bring in components to set them apart from other exhibitors.”

Having a well run show is worth all of the hours of preparation to Jungmann.

“As organizers were not here to be the centerpiece. We want the exhibitors to be the centerpiece of the show,” he said.

Pioneer

One of the larger exhibitors at the 2010 Farm Progress Show will be Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont business.

Jerry Harrington, Pioneer Hi-Bred public relations manager, said there will be a broad assortment of information regarding the company’s products including its high oleic soybeans, Right Product Right Acre strategies, a center kiosk area with research and development information; information on agronomy sciences and Pioneer MarketPoint.

Harrington said there will also be on-going seminars with presenters including Elwynn Taylor, climatologist and ag meteorologist with Iowa State University; Verge Robinson providing commodity and marketing information; Kevin Stafford providing farming transition advice; and a chef offering tips for cooking with high oleic soy.

“We have a huge air-conditioned tent with initially everything one needs to know about Pioneer,” said Harrington. “It’ll be awarding if you come to the Pioneer tent. You will see a lot of friendly faces and get a lot of good information.”

The company will also announce an innovative, cutting-edge research initiative that it claims will significantly enhance growers’ involvement in crop genetics, product evaluation and advancement through expanded on-farm trials.

Maurer Manufacturing

Bringing several products from their line of manufactured equipment will be Maurer Manufacturing of Spencer.

Mike Sievers, with the company’s ag sales, said the team will be exhibiting steel grain trailers, smaller utility trailers, combine-head transporters, grain-tank extension and some other products the company distributes.

“Come out and see the quality products we manufacture,” said Sievers. “We hope to get people to see our products and get some name recognition.”

Sievers said the booth, number 751, is located adjacent from the DEMCO lot.

Demonstrations

In addition to the over 500 exhibitors, field demonstrations existing of harvesting, tillage and precision tool demos will be held daily, as well as livestock events including cattle handling, horse training, and livestock exhibits.

Show hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday.

Tickets are $10 per day for adults and $5 per student aged 13-through-17 with children 12 and under free.

Contact Kriss Nelson at jknelson@frontiernet.net.