The 2024 Western Farm Show, an informative and entertaining experience for farm and ranch families, will be Friday through Sunday, Feb. 23 to 25, at the American Royal Complex in Kansas City, Missouri.
Attendees are invited to explore 400,000 square feet of exhibit space filled with new farm and ranch equipment and wide-ranging displays of other agricultural products and services.
Now in its 62nd year, the 2024 Western Farm show continues this year with new features introduced in 2023, as well as fan favorites from past years.
“We match the industry in innovation, technology, autonomy and growth,” said Farm Show Manager Jami Applegate. “Last year, we received many compliments on the aesthetically pleasing look and feel of the show’s presentation. In fact, attendance was up 60%, year over year.”
For 2024, the show is shaping up to record breaking in attendance, she said.
What’s back for 2024?
- To welcome event attendees, Sukup dealers, Miller Welding and Seed and Farm Supply, Inc., are sponsoring a unique grain bin that doubles as the show’s entrance.
- Farmer Development: Let’s Talk Shop! educational sessions host industry professionals, sharing their knowledge of farming and ranching.
- The Upper-Level Exhibition Hall has several exhibitors creating large displays for equipment, including trucks, machinery, side-by-sides, headers, trailers and old-fashioned tractors.
- The Missouri Farm Bureau hosts a public Health and Safety Roundup. Ten agencies are partnering with the Bureau to display interactive and educational booths for all ages. Health Screenings are offered, which include blood pressure and hearing tests, tetanus shots, vision screening, glaucoma testing and children’s eye screening (infants to six years). Cholesterol screenings will be available for a nominal fee.
- The Family Living Center, sponsored by American Family Insurance, has shopping opportunities for the whole family. From soap to boots, stuffed animals to signs, there is something for everyone to take home. Family Center Farm and Home will have a “pop-up” location within the Center.
- MFA, Inc. is a primary show sponsor and host of two livestock seminars based on quality health performance for cattle, sheep and goats. These seminars are popular with families associated with 4-H and FFA. MFA is bringing back Ron Gill to give Low-Stress Livestock Handling Demonstrations.
“We are thrilled each year to see so many first-time viewers who have never seen the work of Dr. Gill,” Applegate states. “We are very fortunate to be partnered with an event bringing real-life strategies and methods for farmers and ranchers to use in their daily operations. We have attendees share how they use what they learned at past years’ demos when they return the following year.”
Student involvement
Students in high school FFA (Future Farmers of America) chapters are invited to compete in the show’s ag-mech competition owned and operated by Western Farm Show and partnered with the American Royal Association called Farm Equipment Career Development Event. The FECDE was designed for students to participate individually and as a team in a three-part competition.
“Last year, teachers enjoyed watching their students combine their classroom knowledge and farming experience for the competition,” Applegate said. “Several contestants placed well for their first time in a competition, and one from Tonganoxie scored a perfect 100% on one of his individual challenges.”
Other exhibits and demonstrations
While the Western Farm Show focuses on new equipment and the latest technologies, there are plenty of exhibits and demonstrations for all attendees. From the Stockmanship and Stewardship Low-Stress Livestock Handling Demonstration to the Family Living Center and from the Health and Safety Roundup to Livestock Seminars, there is plenty to see and do.
“We work hard to make the Western Farm Show rank among the top indoor farm shows in the Midwest,” Applegate said. “It’s more than just a big show. It’s an ag event not to be missed.”
About the Western Farm Show
The Western Farm Show is owned and produced by the North American Equipment Dealers Association, which represents regional agricultural, construction, and outdoor power equipment dealers.
Show hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Feb. 23 to 24; and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Feb. 25. Adult tickets are $10 daily, and children ages 12 and under are free. First responders, military and veterans are free on Sunday with proper identification. Download a coupon to save $3 at the door at www.westernfarmshow.com/purchase-tickets.
For more information, visit www.westernfarmshow.com, like the Western Farm Show on Facebook at www.facebook.com/WesternFarmShow and follow on X at www.twitter.com/WesternFarmShow.
