The First Day of Farmfest 2016

When I am heading over to Farmfest I always leave the studio just before 7AM when John takes over. That puts me at Farmfest about 8:45. So, the row I am directed to park in tells me how many people are at Farmfest. There have been times when I parked in row B or C. Today I was at row G. I was a bit surprised at how many people were at Farmfest given how hot it was going to be and how low corn and bean prices are. On the other hand, this is an election year and there are many congressional debates in the forum building.

I am always amazed at all the permanent buildings, grain bins, grain legs and other structures built on the Farmfest site. Not to mention the seed plots all the companies plant in the spring to showcase their latest genetics. All of this time and money invested for a three-day farm show! That is an indication of how many farmers with "buying power" attend Farmfest! Wednesday is going to be a busy day. I am on a media panel asking questions for a congressional debate. Then in the afternoon I moderate a panel with Gov. Mark Dayton on buffer strips and waters of the U.S.

By the way, in the picture is "seed row" and a couple of young ladies I know, Minnesota Pork Ambassador Madison Schaffer from Goodhue County and Kristen Harner, communications director with the Minnesota Farm Bureau. Late today there was a free sweet corn feed sponsored by the Minnesota Corn Growers and tomorrow is Minnesota Farm Bureau day that begins with a free pancake breakfast. Good thing I am burning a lot of calories running around at Farmfest!