The Indiana Farm Equipment and Technology Expo Presented by AgriFinancial and Reynolds Farm Equipment ran Dec. 13 – 15, 2022 at Grand Park in Westfield and attracted close to 5,000 attendees and 150 exhibitors. This was the second, consecutive year that the show was sold out of exhibit space.
“This demonstrates just how strong and vibrant the Indiana ag economy is,” said Bruce Kettler, Director of the Indiana State Department of Agriculture, in his opening remarks at the event. This sentiment was echoed by many of the exhibitors who reporting doing a brisk business at the show.
Another sign that there is a good deal of optimism about the Indiana ag economy was the success of the first ever Indiana Ag Career Fair, sponsored by the Indiana State Department of Agriculture. Held on Dec. 15 – the last day of the Expo – the event was designed to help address the critical labor shortage in agriculture. Twenty Indiana companies participated in the event which drew close to 50 people. Some were just exploring agribusiness as a career option, while others came with resumes in hand. Several of the companies who participated reported getting promising candidates and a few made employment offers on the spot.
This was the second year the Indiana Farm Equipment and Technology Expo was held at the Westfield complex. The large, well-lighted event center showcases the farm equipment well and allows for a casual, interactive environment. Without crushing crowds, farmers and exhibitors have time to interact. Several exhibitors said this is as important as selling items off the floor. This is especially true for new technology and innovative products that need a good deal of explanation.
The Indiana Farm Equipment and Technology Expo is scheduled to return Dec. 12-14, 2023, with many exhibitors already signing contracts to participate in next year’s event.
