As we get closer to the harvest, it’s time for what has become traditional back-to-back farm shows. First, the Half Century of Progress Show in Rantoul begins Thursday (August 24th) and runs through Sunday (August 27th). That will be followed next week by this year’s Farm Progress Show, in Decatur, Tuesday the 29th through Thursday the 31st.
Tom Fricke of the Farm Bureau reminds us of Vermilion County’s connection to all this, when the Half Century of Progress Show tradition began here in 2003, when the county hosted the 50th Anniversary Farm Progress Show. It’s become a tradition of, first you look back, then you look ahead.
Audio PlayerAUDIO: The site of doing it at Rantoul at the former Chanute Air Force Base gave them the area they needed to put on this show. It’s continued to grow every year. It’s a chance for folks to check out all the old equipment of yesteryear, watch some farming demonstrations, and truly see all the progress that’s been made in agriculture over the last 50 years, before they head to the Farm Progress Show and see all the new innovations.
As for next week’s Farm Progress Show in Decatur, Country Financial’s Stevenson Harby tells us Vermilion County is expected to have a strong presence.
Audio PlayerAUDIO: It’s a great opportunity for farmers, no matter the size of your operation, large or small; to see what some of the new technology is that all the different vendors and companies have to offer.
And as Tom Fricke pointed out, things in Rantoul this weekend will gradually wind down on Sunday, as many visitors from numerous states begin the gradual move to Decatur for next Tuesday’s Farm Progress Show kickoff.
