|
|
|
PITTSBURG —
The Four State Farm show draws crowds and vendors from all over the region. More than 600 vendors gather to demonstrate new products and services to potential customers they wouldn’t otherwise get face time with.
“We see a lot of people,” said David Harris, of R&F Farm Supply Inc. in Erie. “There’s no other way to see as many people. You just can’t get that many to walk through your front door.
Harris said R&F started 30 years ago as a New Holland wheat implement dealer, and that the company has expanded into tractors, combines and other equipment. He said farm equipment is becoming more fuel efficient to follow government emissions standards.
“We’re learning from the auto industry, because they have to do it before we do,” Harris said, adding that he’s been vending at the Farm Show “a long time.”
Matt Powe, an account manager for Pioneer Hi-Bred, which designs crop seeds without genetically altering them, said the company has had a presence at the Farm Show for 35 years. He said it’s one of the best ways to introduce the new drought-resistant crops his company produces to customers.
“It’s a good opportunity to showcase our products to customers in southeast Kansas.
Powe was there to showcase his company’s Aquamax brand of corn, wheat and soy, which are bred to be resistant to drought conditions — the corn is especially attractive because it requires so much water to produce.
“When you look at the past two year, guys want something that’s drought resistant,” Powe said. “We’ve seen numbers hold up longer, it’s pollinated better and stayed green longer. What Pioneer wants to do is make our customers more successful. It’s what we strive to do.”
Pioneer’s crops, which are bred, have produced better yields than crops that are genetically modified. Powe also noted Pioneer’s STS line herbicide resistant line — so that crops that are planted aren’t damaged by remnants from the previous crop — three varieties of which were tested locally near Parsons and won awards for the highest yields.
Stay cool out there
Crawford County will be under an excessive heat warning through Sunday night, according to the National Weather Service, and Farm Show officials want to reiterate the importance of staying cool and hydrated. At least 50 of the ag vendors are distributing free ice water, said Ted Gum of Farm Talk Magazine, which sponsors the show every year, and there are plenty of food vendors offering cold drinks. Mercy Hospital also has a tent near the Morton Building where weary guests can get a free ice water-soaked towel.
“We usually plan to give away 5,000 towels and we run out every year,” said Linda Noll, executive director of human resources for Mercy Kansas.
It’s important to drink plenty of fluid before and during the show, said media relations specialist Angie Saporito.
“Doctors told us the effects of heat exhaustion don’t set while they’re out in the sun,” Saporito. “We’re trying to beat it down the road.”
The Four State Farm show draws crowds and vendors from all over the region. More than 600 vendors gather to demonstrate new products and services to potential customers they wouldn’t otherwise get face time with.
“We see a lot of people,” said David Harris, of R&F Farm Supply Inc. in Erie. “There’s no other way to see as many people. You just can’t get that many to walk through your front door.
Harris said R&F started 30 years ago as a New Holland wheat implement dealer, and that the company has expanded into tractors, combines and other equipment. He said farm equipment is becoming more fuel efficient to follow government emissions standards.
“We’re learning from the auto industry, because they have to do it before we do,” Harris said, adding that he’s been vending at the Farm Show “a long time.”
Matt Powe, an account manager for Pioneer Hi-Bred, which designs crop seeds without genetically altering them, said the company has had a presence at the Farm Show for 35 years. He said it’s one of the best ways to introduce the new drought-resistant crops his company produces to customers.
“It’s a good opportunity to showcase our products to customers in southeast Kansas.
Powe was there to showcase his company’s Aquamax brand of corn, wheat and soy, which are bred to be resistant to drought conditions — the corn is especially attractive because it requires so much water to produce.
“When you look at the past two year, guys want something that’s drought resistant,” Powe said. “We’ve seen numbers hold up longer, it’s pollinated better and stayed green longer. What Pioneer wants to do is make our customers more successful. It’s what we strive to do.”
Pioneer’s crops, which are bred, have produced better yields than crops that are genetically modified. Powe also noted Pioneer’s STS line herbicide resistant line — so that crops that are planted aren’t damaged by remnants from the previous crop — three varieties of which were tested locally near Parsons and won awards for the highest yields.
Stay cool out there
Crawford County will be under an excessive heat warning through Sunday night, according to the National Weather Service, and Farm Show officials want to reiterate the importance of staying cool and hydrated. At least 50 of the ag vendors are distributing free ice water, said Ted Gum of Farm Talk Magazine, which sponsors the show every year, and there are plenty of food vendors offering cold drinks. Mercy Hospital also has a tent near the Morton Building where weary guests can get a free ice water-soaked towel.
“We usually plan to give away 5,000 towels and we run out every year,” said Linda Noll, executive director of human resources for Mercy Kansas.
It’s important to drink plenty of fluid before and during the show, said media relations specialist Angie Saporito.
“Doctors told us the effects of heat exhaustion don’t set while they’re out in the sun,” Saporito. “We’re trying to beat it down the road.”
