For
those not involved in farming, January may seem like an off time of the year
for farmers. But there’s plenty of work for farmers during winter, and their
days are filled with tasks such as planning crops, ordering seed, repairing
equipment and meeting the challenges of caring for livestock in cold weather.
Despite this busy season, many farmers take time to visit the Keystone Farm
Show in York, PA, to check out the latest in farm services and equipment.

The
three-day show, held Jan. 8 – 10 this year, draws crowds from across the Mid-Atlantic
region. For many, it’s a family outing, which provides farmers with an
opportunity to show the next generation some of the latest advances in ag
technology. One important aspect of the Keystone Farm Show that benefits both
youth and adults is the opportunity to learn about farm safety, with displays
and demonstrations suitable for all ages.

Ian
Hitchener, sales manager for Lee Newspapers’ Country Folks, the Keystone Farm
Show and the Virginia Farm Show, estimated that about 500 exhibitors set up for
the show, the largest of its kind in Pennsylvania, one of the largest in the Mid-Atlantic
region, and growing every year.

A
show like Keystone doesn’t happen without a lot of planning. Show management arrived
a week prior to the show to finalize preparations and ensure a smooth move-in
and set up for exhibitors. By the time the first visitors arrive on Tuesday,
everything was in place and show staff were on hand to provide assistance
wherever needed.

Most
attendees live within several hours of the show, and after their first visit,
they’re likely to return the next year. The show is advertised through Lee Newspapers’
various publications including Country Folks, as well as e-newsletters and some
outside radio and print advertising. Word of mouth among the farming community
also brings many visitors.

While
many exhibitors were from the Mid-Atlantic region, national and international
companies were well-represented by local affiliates. Hitchener said the show
continues to grow each year, and many exhibitors have already turned in their
contracts for 2020.

In
addition to the opportunity to see and learn about a variety of farm equipment
and services, show attendees take advantage of a variety of educational
sessions. Tuesday’s seminars offered the latest information on pesticide
formulations, pesticide safety, fungicides for corn and soybeans, and an update
on dicamba and Xtend® soybeans. Wednesday’s seminars included late season crop
disease issues, pollinators and pesticide stewardship, weed control in hay and
pastures and pesticide resistance management. Farmers attending these seminars
were eligible to receive credits toward their pesticide applicator licenses.

The
Keystone Farm Show is continually evolving with new additions and features, and
Hitchener said the show team will move ahead with a new aspect that’s been
under consideration. New for the 2020 show will be a section devoted to
construction, which Hitchener said will be a great opportunity for a variety of
equipment displays. “We have a nice area on the infield where we can add
another heated tent just like the two we already have,” said Hitchener, adding
that live demos will likely be part of the construction segment. “A lot of
farmers use construction equipment, and a lot of contractors use ag equipment.
The front-end loader or the mini excavator doesn’t care what the job is – it’s
just doing a job. Whether it’s aggregate, manure or feed, it’s moving a
material.”

As
plans for the 2020 show progress, Hitchener reflected on the success of the
most recent show. “We work with a lot of great people,” he said. “No matter
where you go in the country, people have heard of the ‘show in York.’”

If
the dates aren’t already circled on your calendar, be sure to set aside time
for the next Keystone Farm Show, which will take place Jan. 7 – 9, 2020.