Cutting-edge farming exhibits, Wisconsin-focused food trucks, live music, stunt riders, hands-on activities for kids and a chance to tour not one but six local farm and ag sites — that’s just part of the fun in store when Wisconsin Farm Technology Days takes place July 18 through 20 at the Badger Steam & Gas Engine Club in Baraboo, Wisconsin, in Sauk County.
Now in its 69th year, the largest volunteer-run ag show in the country celebrates the uniqueness of farming and agriculture in Wisconsin with something for everyone to enjoy. Visitors can see firsthand the latest developments in technology, practices and careers in agriculture, with more than 500 exhibitors and vendors, family-friendly activities (kids 12 and under are admitted free), entertainment and some brand-new experiences that will connect farmers and families with the diversity of today’s agricultural landscape.
Every year, the show takes place in a different county to showcase Wisconsin’s wide range of agriculture and farming styles. Farmers from all over the state come to learn about the latest innovations and trends in the industry.
“It’s a place where farmers, the community, companies and everyone in agriculture can come and see what’s new and how farming is progressing,” says Lee Caraher, the Wisconsin Farm Technology Days spokesperson. From updates in tractor technology to the latest in IoT-enhanced soil monitoring devices, vendors will be exhibiting cutting-edge advancements for farmers.
The 2023 show isn’t taking place on a farm as it has in years past. Instead, visitors will have the opportunity to tour six different farms and agriculture enterprises in the area. Attendees 13 years or older can register through the website (the schedule will post in June) to tour the sites that include a family-owned dairy farm, a local agricultural business, a family-owned rotationally grazed farm and a family-owned regenerative farm. Each tour will take about an hour and will showcase the variety of approaches to farming you can find in Wisconsin. Transportation to and from the show grounds is provided.
For kids, Wisconsin Farm Technology Days offers the Youth Ag Adventure. Children and teens can use a special “passport” at seven stops around the show grounds to experience equine demonstrations, a 70-foot soil pit offering a glimpse of complex life underground, hands-on activities with diesel-fueled machines and lots more. Kids who visit all seven stops win a prize. So whether your little ones are into climbing on farm equipment or learning about potential career opportunities, there’s something for every family.
“One goal of the show is to inspire youth and show a wide range of ag careers and how they can pursue those opportunities,” says Caraher.
The fun times aren’t just for kids, either. Visitors of all ages can watch stunt riders, enjoy the extensive lineup of entertainment at the main stage including music, food demonstrations and cultural performances, and visit the many food trucks that deliver local Wisconsin eats. In the evening, visitors staying nearby can look forward to live music in Baraboo and Reedsburg, among other local entertainment options.
Like other farms around the state, Sauk County farms celebrate the history of Wisconsin agriculture while embracing innovation.
“Farms have their legacy, and we’re showing how people move their farm forward through time,” says Caraher. “If you go to any farm in Wisconsin, you’ll see something from generations ago and something from 2023.”
And at Wisconsin Farm Tech Days, history and modern developments come together to provide something for everyone to learn about, explore and enjoy.
The 2023 Wisconsin Farm Technology Days show grounds at the Badger Steam & Gas Engine Club’s grounds are conveniently located south of Interstate 90/94 Exit 92 near Wisconsin Dells and West of Highway 12 at Highway 33 at Baraboo. Admission is $10 in cash or $12 by credit card. Kids 12 and under admitted free. For more information, visit wifarmtechdays.org.
