At the Oklahoma City Farm Show, Senior Farm and Ranch Broadcaster Ron Hays had the chance to talk with one of the founders of Midwest Shows, John Riles, about his experience producing the OKC Farm Show for the past 20 years.
In addition to the OKC Farm Show and the Tulsa Farm Show, Midwest Shows also holds farm trade shows in states such as Iowa, South Dakota, and others. Riles said one of his favorite parts of traveling to produce different farm shows across the Midwest is hearing from farmers and ranchers in different regions.
“It is fun to experience the different environments and what people are interested in,” Riles said. “They are talking about droughts in different places and different reasons- one for raising crops, and the other is for feeding cattle and that sort of thing. It is a fun experience to travel both markets.”
The technology at this year’s OKC Farm Show is impressive and Riles talked about how he has the chance to see technology such as drones grow in the agriculture industry.
“Now you can see how they have adapted some of these drones, and the size of these drones is a little intimidating,” Riles said.
Riles also talked about shifts in rhythm since the COVID-19 pandemic. He added it is good to see businesses and vendors at the farm shows back to normal.
In addition to a variety of vendors and equipment to check out, Riles said that for the second year in a row, the OKC Farm Show is working with OSU Extension to lead seminars for attendees.
“People can come out here and get free coffee and rolls in the morning,” Riles said. “They can sign up for the $1000 show bucks drawing that we give away each day at 1 o’clock.”
Parking and admission are free, Riles added, and the show is open for anyone to attend.
The Oklahoma City Farm Show runs April 4, 5 & 6 at the Bennett Event Center, located on the OKC Fairgrounds Complex in Oklahoma City. Show hours are 9AM-5PM on Thursday and Friday, and 9AM4PM Saturday. The OKC Fairgrounds complex is located off NW 10th Street in Oklahoma City, between I-44 and May Avenue. For more information on the Bennett Event Center and the OKC Fairgrounds, visit OKStateFair.com. For more information on the Oklahoma City Farm Show, including the most current event schedules, visit OklahomaCityFarmShow.com.
