BARABOO, WI (Tuesday, March 21, 2023) –– Farm Technology Days 2023, the largest outdoor agricultural event in Wisconsin, is just four months away, and activity is picking up for sponsors and exhibitors. With the exhibitor count-to-date surpassing 300, Farm Technology Days is on track to meet exhibitor numbers from past years in the 500+ range. Key exhibitors include McFarlane Manufacturing, Brooks Tractor, Case IH, Hometown/Wisconsin Chevy Dealers, H&S Manufacturing, and Landoll Company.
Major sponsors have also signed on to substantially support the show, where over 45,000 attendees are expected over the show’s three days, July 18 – 20 on the Badger Steam & Gas Engine Club grounds in Baraboo, Sauk County.
“Our sponsors are what make this show possible,” said Anna Maenner, Exhibit and Program Coordinator for Farm Technology Days. “These organizations are dedicated to the future of agriculture and understand the show’s importance here in Wisconsin. We truly would not be able to host this event without them.”
This year, Farm Technology Days’ top sponsors include:
- Rural Mutual Insurance has been proudly serving Wisconsin residents since 1934. In addition to being the #1 Farm insurance writer in the state of Wisconsin, they have earned the Ward’s Top 50 Property and Casualty award for 14 consecutive years and AM Best A+ Superior for the last 5 years. As an Elite Sustainable Sponsor at Farm Technology Days, Rural Mutual is encouraging attendees to visit the Rural Entertainment Center which will showcase many local businesses and provide a robust schedule of entertaining and educational presentations for everyone to enjoy.
“Farm Technology Days is a great way for us to reconnect with the local community and our farmers,” said Mike Lubahn, Director of Marketing for Rural Mutual. “It’s really one of the few events where people come to learn and see all the new technological enhancements happening in agriculture.”
- Fleet Farm is a Sustaining Sponsor for Farm Technology Days and proudly sponsors the Equine Arena. Fleet Farm was built on a foundation of Midwestern values and has been serving farmers, ranchers and Midwest communities since 1955.
“We know that farmers take the time out of their busy schedule to attend Farm Technology Days. Farmers are a key customer as they have helped shape Fleet Farm to what it has become. It is important for us to support this show and to spend time with them. We want to hear about their business and learn how we can do better each and every day for them” says, Mark Stelzl, Division Vice President of Merchandising.
- Compeer Financial joins the major sponsor list this year as a Platinum Sponsor, sponsoring the large drone technology exhibit on the grounds. A member-owned, Farm Credit cooperative serving and supporting agriculture and rural communities, Compeer Financial provides loans, leases, risk management and other financial services throughout 144 counties in Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin.
“It’s important for Compeer to sponsor Farm Tech Days because we serve the agricultural community in Sauk County and surrounding counties. We are proud to be a sponsor of this event that showcases the latest and greatest in agriculture technology and research.” said Alison Kepner, Compeer Financial Officer. “ I’m looking forward to exploring the grounds, vendor areas, and farm tours and networking with clients and friends during the show!”
About Wisconsin Farm Technology Days
Wisconsin Farm Technology Days is a three-day outdoor event showcasing the latest developments in production agriculture, including practical applications and recent research and technological developments. This is the only farm show of its size in the United States that is organized and run entirely by volunteers. As the largest outdoor agricultural event in the state, it welcomes more than 45,000 attendees, with more than 500+ commercial and educational vendors. The first WFTD show was named Farm Progress Days and was held in Waupaca County in 1954.
About Agriculture in Sauk County
Agriculture works hard in Sauk Country. Family-owned farms, food processors and agriculture-related businesses generate thousands of jobs and millions of dollars of economic activity while contributing to local income and tax revenues. Sauk County’s top commodities include milk, grain, cattle, swine, and cropland. There is a strong connection between farmers and consumers, with $1 million of goods sold locally through farmers’ markets, CSAs and agritourism initiatives. Over 56% of the county land is farmland, made up of more than 1,400 farms. Overall, agriculture has a tremendous impact on the county landscape, and the variety of family farms continues to keep agriculture thriving in Sauk County.
