Visitors to the 45th Big Iron Farm and Construction Show will immerse themselves in three days of agricultural and construction industry innovations, with plenty of opportunities to sit in the seat and test the technology.
A free concert, exhibit booths, daily demonstrations and informational sessions are all part of the schedule for the 45th annual show.
This year, the Big Iron Farm and Construction Show will welcome visitors from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, Sept. 9-10, and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 11, on the Red River Valley Fairgrounds, located at 1805 Main Ave. West, in West Fargo. Admission and parking are free.
“Whether you’re here to explore the latest in agriculture, construction or innovation, we’re proud to host the largest farm show in the Upper Midwest, and we’re excited to have you with us,” says CEO Cody Cashman.
“What sets Big Iron apart is our combination of size, focus and heart. We’re proud to be an event where the ag community can come together to connect, learn and do real business right here in the heart of North Dakota. It’s more than a show. It’s a tradition built on relationships, innovation and community,” he says.
Big iron of all types
Last year, the Big Iron Farm and Construction Show expanded its focus, as construction equipment companies showed their products and services, along with agricultural vendors. That aspect of the show continues this year.
“The addition of construction exhibitors has brought a new energy and dimension to Big Iron. It not only gives producers access to the equipment they use on and off the farm, but also brings in a broader audience of contractors, builders and infrastructure professionals. It’s a natural fit, and a major step forward for the show,” Cashman says.
Construction vendors will again have a “ride-and-drive” demonstration area on the southwest side of the showgrounds, where both large and small equipment will be demonstrated.
“Customers can actually get on the equipment and get a feel for it,” says Cole Peterson, who chairs the Big Iron Farm and Construction Show Committee. “It’s not just geared toward large construction companies. They were running smaller excavators and skidsteers that even a residential homeowner could buy if they have a rural property. It was targeted toward everybody.”
Visitors will find the latest in other “big iron,” as companies often unveil new equipment at the show and demonstrations are conducted on the grounds.
RDO Equipment Co. is bringing John Deere back to the show, with a 55-acre demonstration area on the southeast side of the grounds, where demonstrations of an autonomous tillage tractor featuring a John Deere 9R 640 and 2660VT will take place at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. daily.
Other field demonstrations will take place daily on the west side of the Acme Building, with precision agriculture equipment and drone spraying demonstrated.
Visitors are welcome to the free outdoor concert at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 10, with country music singer Josh Turner performing at the grandstand.
North Dakota Living sponsors daily health screenings during the show from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily at the Infinity Ag Building.
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Luann Dart is a freelance writer and editor who lives in the Elgin area.
