For the second year in a row folks in the four state region have been dealing with extremely dry conditions and hot temperatures making 2012 just as memorable as 2011.
The good thing is that fall is on its way, which also means that the Ozark Fall Farmfest in Springfield, Missouri is also nearing.
This year Farm Talk Newspaper and the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds will once again host Farmfest and are happy to invite everyone out to enjoy it on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, October 5, 6 and 7.
This year marks the 33rd year for the Ozark Fall Farmfest and both Farm Talk and the OEF will turn the fairgrounds into the site of the area’s premier agricultural event featuring over 750 exhibits inside and out.
Although the shows name leads many to believe it is only a farm show, show promoters encourage everyone to come out because there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Farm Talk Advertising Manager, Lance Markley attributes the success of the show year after year to the amount of booth spaces that are sold and the returning exhibitors.
“This year’s show is sold out actually, and we are currently operating on a waiting list basis,” Markley explains. “Perspective exhibitors should feel free to call to be added to the waiting list or to be placed on the 2013 mailing list.”
According to Markley, the show continues to be successful for a number of those who participate in it.
“The success of last years show resulted in less exhibitor turnover this year, although a number of new exhibitors were able to rent booth space,” he says.
Those exhibitors cater well to the crowd by bringing goods and services anyone from a small acreage owner to a large landowner might find interesting.
Basically, those in attendance will find anything and everything they would need around the house, the yard or the farm and ranch. From livestock equipment to tractors, trailers to balers and hay handling equipment, seed, feed and fertilizer, Farmfest is sure to offer something for everyone.
This year’s show, like those in the past, will bring everything in agriculture to the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds. Show hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and boasts a family friendly atmosphere. From inside and outside booths show promotors are proud to invite the public to an event that is sure to satisfy those in attendance.
As if the exhibits aren’t enough for the thousands on hand to browse through, Farmfest also offers a large number of livestock exhibits in the barns throughout the fairgrounds.
Farmfest continues to be a place where area breeders bring some of the best livestock to show, offering stockmen and women a unique opportunity to see what kinds of breeding stock is available to them. This also gives those interested in the livestock a chance to visit one-on-one with the breeders themselves.
This year, the cattle barns will be full, once again, and they will feature a number of breeds, including; American British White, Angus, Belgian Blue, Brahmousin, Brangus, Braunvieh, Beefalo, Beefmaster, Charolais, Gelbvieh, Hereford, Irish Dexter, Limousin, Lowline, Maine-Anjou, Red Angus, Red Poll, Romagnola, Salers, Scottish Highland, Senapol, Senegus, Shorthorn, SimAngus and Simmental.
It won’t just be cattle at the Ozark Fall Farmfest though. The show will also cater to the equine enthusiast, allowing them to view a wide array of horses on the grounds.
But wait, there is more! Other livestock at the Ozark Fall Farmfest will include Boer Goats, dairy goats, Katahdin hair sheep, miniature donkeys, Flemish Giant Rabbits and Alpacas.
Nikki White, OEF Foundation and Agriculture Director reminds area producers that there is still some room left in the barns if they are interested in showing at Farmfest.
According to White, the Ozark Empire Fair Foundation is offering some cowboy humor entertainment for anyone that wants to attend on the evening of Saturday, October, 6.
The Ozark Empire Fair Foundation is proud to be partnering with SoMo Farm & Ranch Supply and Crystalyx to present An Evening With Baxter Black at the Springfield Livestock Marketing Center.
According to White, the doors will open at 6:30 p.m. with a meal preceding the Baxter Black performance. Tickets for the event are $40 per person with all proceeds benefitting the Ozark Empire Fair Foundation. Please call (417) 833-2660 to purchase tickets.
Farmfest promotors continue to try and bring something for everyone and those in attendance will notice that first-hand as they make their way across the grounds. Whether inside or outside, exhibits will include animal health products, tractors, trailers, cattle working equipment, livestock waterers, feed, fencing, tools, trucks, forage equipment and more.
When it comes to the home, Farmfest annually features a Rural Living section where a host of products designed to enhance the rural lifestyle will be on display.
Hang on…there is more!
One of the favorite features of Farmfest, the Stock Dog Training Demonstrations, will be returning again this year. Well-known stock dog trainer Danny Shilling from Bois D’ Arc, Mo., will be on hand offering his expertise to those interested in owning and
handling working stock dogs.
Another favorite stop at Farmfest for many folks is the equipment displayed by the Ozark Steam Engine Association and the Southwest Missouri Early Day Gas Engine and Tractor Association. This gives those in attendance a chance to step back in time, so to speak.
Hours for the Ozark Fall Farmfest are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, October 5; Saturday, October 6; and Sunday, October, 7. This year, like every year at Farmfest, admission and parking are free. The Ozark Empire Fairgrounds are easily accessed on the north side of Springfield, Mo., just off Interstate 44 and Mo. Hwy. 13.
The Ozark Fall Farmfest is sponsored by Farm Talk Newspaper and the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds. For more information, contact Farm Talk at (620) 421-9450 or the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds at (417) 833-2660.
