Purdue News

February 2000 Purdue welcomes 2001 Farm Progress Show WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service specialists look forward to enhanced educational opportunities with the 2001 Farm Progress Show slated for neighboring farm fields in Tippecanoe County. The Farm Progress Show Cos. will hold the show Sept. 25-27, 2001, at a 2,500-acre site south of Lafayette on U.S. 52. Recognized as the largest agricultural trade show in the Midwest, the Farm Progress Show rotates annually among Iowa, Illinois and Indiana. The 2000 show will be in Illinois. Purdue Extension has historically maintained a large presence at the show. "This has been a great way for us showcase research and education for Indiana farmers and agribusiness," says Purdue Extension Director David Petritz, who has been involved in nine shows. Tom Jordan, Purdue Extension's program leader for agriculture and natural resources, says having the Farm Progress Show at Purdue's back door also provides opportunities for university activities that complement the show. Jordan says there may be tours for prospective students, agribusiness companies and livestock producers. There may also be educational seminars. "For example, Purdue's Department of Agricultural Economics and the Center for Agricultural Business hosted 80 foreign agricultural journalists last time as part of an educational seminar sponsored by Ford New Holland," he says. Jordan says the show also is a great learning event for people who want to know more about modern agriculture. "If people want to know more about where food comes from, and what it takes to be a farmer these days, they should try to make it out here," Jordan says. One of the largest farm shows in the country with 600 vendors, the Farm Progress Show attracts an estimated 100,000 visitors each of its three days. Purdue's Farm Progress Show presence will be overseen by Dana Neary, a Purdue Extension special events coordinator. CONTACTS: Petritz, (765) 494-8489, petritz@admin.ces.purdue.edu; Jordan, (765) 494-8494, tjordan@agad.purdue.edu Compiled by Steve Tally, (765) 494-9809; tally@aes.purdue.edu Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu To the Purdue News and Photos Page