It's Not Getting Any Easier Down on the Farm

RALEIGH, NC – Sustainability, genetically modified organisms, biotechnology, worker protection standards, pesticide volatilization, biologicals, precision agriculture, geographic information systems. Most of these terms would be foreign to farmers who attended the first Southern Farm Show at the NC State Fairgrounds in 1978. Forty years later, however, these words will roll of the tongues of some of those same farmers as they visit the 2018 version of the show, scheduled for January 31 through February 2.

"Farming seems to get more complicated each year," says Erica Peterson. The North Carolina Agribusiness Council, which she leads, will be at the show this year helping farmers keep up with the ever-increasing knowledge needed to run a modern farm. Their Ag Leadership and Grower Summit, to be held on the show's opening day, will cover topics ranging from pesticide violations and protecting pollinators, to worker protection compliance and agricultural advocacy. They are also working with AgSafe to present 15-minute 'tailgate' presentations all three days. Topics will include tips for preventing heat illness, safety workshops for food, tractors and other equipment, and information on preventing workplace sexual harassment.

David Zimmerman, Show Manager for the last 34 years, strives to keep the show current with today's farming needs. "The show has evolved from a place where farmers came to see equipment, to an event where they come to find information and solutions," says Zimmerman. "The show's 2018 theme, Farm Smarter, is designed to let farmers know that the Southern Farm Show is their annual chance to get up to speed on what's new, and get ready for the coming growing season."

The 2018 edition of the Southern Farm Show will again fill the fairgrounds with over 400 farm equipment manufacturers and service providers. Practically every aspect of agriculture found in the Carolinas and Virginia will be represented, as well as products and equipment for landscape and construction professionals.

In addition to the NC Agribusiness Council, the show also serves as a meeting place for the Tobacco Growers Association of NC, the NC Department of Agriculture, the NC Department of Labor, the Wake County Agribusiness Council, and others.

The Southern Farm Show runs January 31 through February 2. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. Admission and parking are free. For more information, contact Southern Shows Inc. at (800) 849-0248 or visit www.SouthernFarmShow.com.