ROCK ISLAND, Ill. — Although this has been another difficult year for agriculture, you certainly wouldn’t know it from looking at the roster of exhibitors that will be displaying their products and services at the 29th annual Quad Cities Farm Equipment Show, scheduled Jan. 19-21 at the QCCA Expo Center in Rock Island.
“It doesn’t really surprise me to see that so many ag companies are coming to exhibit at the Quad Cities. The farmers of this area have always strongly supported the show,” said Show Manager Richard Sherman, who has headed up the event since its beginning.
“Our attendance is always excellent, and a lot of buying goes on during and after these three days,” Sherman said. “When companies decide what shows to attend, it’s very hard for them to skip the Quad Cities. No matter how difficult business is, when they begin to examine the return on investment they get from attending and compare it with other shows, coming back to the Quad Cities always stays at the top of their list.
“We also impress them with the care and hard work of our all-volunteer labor at the QCCA and with the knowledge that money earned by the building goes into vital conservation projects.
“Because of these reasons, the show is amazingly stable, but with just enough companies not returning to allow room for at least some new companies to take good-size space and others to return after a year or so absence.”
Deal With It
This year’s show will give farmers the opportunity to see everything that’s needed for the next planting and harvesting seasons.
The event will feature more than 200 companies exhibiting everything that’s new: long line, short line, seeds, supplies, chemicals, livestock equipment, grain handling, storage, buildings, replacement parts, trucks, seed tenders, outdoor power equipment and all the new technologies so vital for profits, from computer software to GPS systems.
“Regular show visitors shouldn’t think because they saw a company’s display last year that it will be the same again. Most return to show their new products or present their newest ideas that match the economic conditions,” Sherman said.
“Farmers will always find show specials and ideas designed for them, no matter what amount of acreage they farm, from the part-time farmer to the largest of operations. And, frankly, I believe that next year is going to be a far better year for agriculture and that we will see a lot of buying this year in preparation for it.”
What’s New
Among the new products at the show, Sherman said, is the Renegade VT, presented by Soil Service, which has increased its exhibit space to showcase this American-made vertical tillage tool that manages crop residue, improves water infiltration, aerates soil and prevents erosion.
“This will be the first time it will be on display at the show,” Sherman said.
Also making its debut at the farm show is the Can-Am Spyder, a non-traditional three-wheel vehicle designed to be driven on paved roads and highways.
“This Canadian company is well known for its ATV and side-by-side lineup,” Sherman said.
RIPCO Manufacturing also will be exhibiting for the first time with its Grain Systems Distribution products.
Also increasing their booth space from last year, Sherman said, are: Mahindra Tractors, presented by Birkey’s Farm Store and Franzen Family Tractors and Parts, Peabudy’s with New Holland and United Rentals with a variety of ag machines.
Admission and parking are free. Show hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday.
The QCCA Expo Center is at 2621 Fourth Ave. in Rock Island. It is easiest to take Fifth Avenue and then turn left at 26th Street on to Fourth Avenue at the Expo Center parking lot.
For more information, go online to www.qccaexpocenter.com.