National Farm Machinery Show and Championship Tractor Pull roars into Louisville

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The National Farm Machinery Show returns to Louisville Feb. 16-19, allowing the farming and agribusiness industry to learn about the latest equipment updates, explore new technology and prepare for the spring planting season.

The National Farm Machinery Show is the largest indoor farm show in the country. Each year, guests from around the world explore more than 1.2 million square feet of exhibit space in the agricultural industry’s most comprehensive display of equipment, services and technology.

“The National Farm Machinery Show is important to the agricultural community. Farmers enjoy the opportunity to come together, see the latest technology and ag production items, network, share ideas and do business. After postponing the 2021 National Farm Machinery Show, we’ve heard from many attendees talking about how essential our show is to their operation. We’re excited we are able to welcome everyone back this year,” said David Beck, president and CEO of Kentucky Venues.

Educational Seminars

For the past several years changes in the farming industry from fertilizer to supply chain have moved at a rapid pace. Educational seminars offer the opportunity to update knowledge, learn about new technology and plan for the upcoming year.

Free seminars are scheduled Feb. 16-18 in the South Wing, with subjects ranging from market and weather strategies to building better grain dryers. Sponsors include DTN/The Progressive Farmer, Farm Futures, AgMarket.net, Beck’s Hybrids and Farm Journal Media.

Watch a live taping of “U.S. Farm Report” market roundtable with Tyne Morgan and special guests at 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 17. Presented by Farm Progress in South Wing B105.

View the list of seminars at https://farmmachineryshow.org/event-info/.

Farmers Market

For those who are more interested in shopping, head to the South Wing Mezzanine to the Gift and Craft Market.

There are many booths selling tractor-branded merchandise, fashion, toys, collectibles, snacks and more. The market is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

National Champions

Held in conjunction with the National Farm Machinery Show, the Championship Tractor Pull is an action-packed showdown of the world’s most talented drivers.

Roaring tractors and trucks will be heard throughout Freedom Hall as rival pullers race down the dirt track to earn a grand championship title.

More than 70,000 fans will fill Freedom Hall Feb. 16-19 for the Championship Tractor Pull at the Kentucky Exposition Center.

Sponsored by Syngenta, the event draws the nation’s top drivers as they compete for the title of grand champion and a prize pool of over $200,000.

Tractor Pull 101

Drivers compete in 10 divisions based on the weight of their machine. Competition begins when weighted sleds are attached to the machines.

Competitors then “gun for a full pull” — pulling the full length of the track for a win. If two or more drivers in a division nail a full pull, more weight is added.

The driver who pulls the farthest wins. This type of excitement keeps people on the edges of their seats because a fraction of an inch can make the difference between first and second place.

Tip: Wearing ear plugs is recommended during the pull, because these machines are loud — some are powered by modified airplane engines.

Full Throttle

For 53 years, the nation’s best drivers and their pulling machines have stormed into Louisville every February for the Championship Tractor Pull.

In the first Championship Tractor Pull, 66 tractors competed in three classes — 5,000-, 10,000- and 15,000-pound tractors. The first truck class was added in 1977 and helped the pull sell out for the first time.

A lot has changed in 52 years, and now more than 190 vehicles compete in 10 classes.

The Pit

Want to see the pullers and their machines before they shift into gear? Visit “The Pit” in Broadbent Arena and take pictures with fan-favorite vehicles, meet drivers and collect autographs.

Admission is free and open to the public 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday.

Tickets

Tickets for the Championship Tractor Pull are available at the Kentucky Exposition Center Ticket Office and online at www.ticketmaster.com.

Event times and prices vary by day:

• Wednesday, Feb. 16 — 7 p.m. $10, $30 and $40.

• Thursday, Feb. 17 — 7 p.m. $10, $30 and $40.

• Friday, Feb. 18 —7 p.m. $15, $35 and $45.

• Saturday, Feb. 19 — Noon: $10, $30 and $40.

• Saturday, Feb. 19 — 7 p.m. $25, $35 and $45.

A detailed tractor pull schedule is available at https://champpull.org/schedule/.

Admission to the National Farm Machinery Show is free and open to the public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 16-19. Parking is $10 per vehicle, $20 per bus.

More information is available at farmmachineryshow.org.