The 411 on the Farm Progress Show 2022

August 22, 2022·36 min·3 clips

Host Clint Schaffer and Matt Youngman reveal insider secrets about the Farm Progress Show 2022.

This episode previews the 2022 Farm Progress Show with host Clint Schaffer and guest Matt Youngman, the National Events Director for Farm Progress. Youngman oversees major agricultural events including the Farm Progress Show, Husker Harvest Days, and the Farm Futures Summit. The conversation provides an insider's perspective on planning one of the nation's largest outdoor farm shows. The show will be held in Boone, Iowa, from August 30th to September 1st, featuring over 600 exhibitors across 80 acres. Key attractions include a 60-acre field demonstration area and a specific "ride and drive" area for testing large equipment. Youngman details the extensive infrastructure, mentioning the installation of 35 miles of temporary water lines and over 500 portable toilets for the event. He explains the logistical challenge of managing exhibitor move-in, which involves coordinating thousands of semis over a two-week period. The economic impact is significant, with the host community typically seeing an influx of 30,000 to 40,000 visitors daily. Youngman also notes the show's history, having been held at the same permanent site in Boone for over two decades. A surprising insight is that the event generates its own temporary utility grid, including power and water, independent of the town's infrastructure. Youngman reveals that planning for the 2023 show begins the week after the 2022 event concludes, highlighting a year-round cycle. He shares that a major focus is on creating a smooth experience for attendees to efficiently see new products and talk to company experts. The discussion underscores the sheer scale, with the show essentially building a temporary city for three days. Youngman's personal connection as a farmer himself informs his approach to ensuring the show meets practical farmer needs. The tone is casual and conversational, marked by friendly banter between the host and guest who are neighbors. The style is informational and behind-the-scenes, focusing on operational details rather than promotional hype. This episode is ideal for farmers, agribusiness professionals, or anyone curious about the massive logistics behind major agricultural exhibitions. Listeners seeking highly technical agronomic advice or political commentary might find other episodes more relevant.

Listen to the show on

Apple Podcasts Spotify

Play clips from this episode More from Around The Farm