by Elizabeth A. Tomlin
Folks attending Central New York’s Farm Progress Show have viewed farm improvements and technology updates over nearly 40 years — and this year was no different!
“I believe I have attended the CNY Farm Progress Show for 16 years,” remarked CCE CNY Dairy Specialist Dave Balbian. “Computerization and advances in technology are probably the biggest changes I’ve seen. Nobody was selling Robotic Milkers 16 years ago!”
Balbian is only one of many people who noticed new technology exhibited.
Bigger tractors with better safety features, computerized TMR mixers, waste recycling equipment and more products available for all aspects of agricultural needs were displayed at this year’s event.
“The Farm Show provides an essential service to the agricultural community, and the Farm Show Committee — a volunteer endeavor comprised of many hardworking individuals — is proud to provide this service for our friends and neighbors,” stated CNY Farm Progress Show President Dick Presky. “Of course, much of this success is due to the ongoing support of our long-time exhibitors and friends, plus the infusion of new products and services from our more recent vendors.”
Exhibitor Elwyn Webb of Hill Top Tire, Fort Plain, NY, recalls attending the show 15 years ago as a child and carrying business cards to hand out to show attendees. “I remember a sea of people! And a ton of exhibitors outside!” Now as an adult Webb has run the display for the family’s business for the past 3 years. “I’ve seen a lot more serious inquiries about the product instead of people just coming in to kick the tires.” Webb says that Hill Top Tire, which is in the process of trade marking their second Ag tire, is currently the only full service tire dealer at the show.
Connecting with new customers and presenting new information and services to the Ag community are primary concerns for exhibitors.
NY Farm Net Consultant Ron Parks said he has been coming to the show for over 30 years. “My expertise is in helping farmers who are financially troubled.”
Some folks at the show say they like to get a break away from their farm work. Dairy farmer Ted Postma of Postma Brothers, LLC, New Berlin, brought his family to the show. “I like to look at the new equipment and talk to people that I know here — and get a couple of hours away from work!” said Postma. Jim Mulligan of Mulligan Dairy agreed. “I come here to the show to see what’s new — and to get a day off from the farm!”
Presky reports that the show is non-profit and all funds generated by the event fund youth scholarships and educational, Ag programs.
Recent scholarship winners include Rochelle DiNigro, Mount Markham High School; Nicole Todd and Jaron Case of Herkimer High School and Nicholas Hrobuchak of Owen D. Young School.
Interested in being a part of the CNY Progressive Farm Show? Contact Presky at 315-336-0375 or cnyfarmshow@gmail.com .
Leave A Comment