BEAR CREEK, Wisconsin – Three days of fun-filled activities, demonstrations of cutting-edge technology and displays of equipment for farmers and rural residents will be featured Aug. 5–7 during Wisconsin’s largest outdoor agricultural show.
Clinton Farms, a 750-cow, 4-generation dairy operation, conveniently located at E8351 Highway 22 (just west of Highway 45), will host its third Wisconsin Farm Technology Days.
“We’ll continue the favorites like field demonstrations,” said Wisconsin Farm Technology Days General Manager Janet Weller. “Hay harvesting and tillage demonstrations are scheduled daily at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
“We are going to have a tiling demonstration during the show each day between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. That will be a wonderful feature because of the lay of the land in that particular area.”
Drone demonstrations will take place daily from 1:30 to 2 p.m. “These are not exactly new,” said Weller, “but some of the aspects of what they will be doing are new.
“Some will be doing spraying demonstrations, and we will also have some drones that are going to perform an aerial inspection and measurement of the bunker feed storage areas. They will actually be able to calculate the amount of feed tonnage in those bunkers,” Weller said.
Innovation Square to feature cutting-edge technology
A highlight of this year’s show will be Fox Valley Builders Innovation Square. “I’m really excited about this,” emphasized Keller. “Nine different exhibits will be featured.
“We’ll have everything from equipment to help increase sustainable farming, to exhibits highlighting cow comfort including ventilation equipment.”
Waikato Milking Systems, the company that installed the Clinton’s 50-cow rotary milking parlor, will be demonstrating a rotary parlor system. “And we’ll have some robotic equipment and new corn feeding products in the area,” Keller added.
Innovation Square will also feature a display of the large animal group housing building new to the US market.
Farm site a popular attraction
“A big attraction is the farm site itself,” said Keller. “The Clinton family has built a tremendous progressive dairy operation. Certainly, their rotary parlor is something that will attract a lot of people to watch the cows get on the carousel system and ride around while they are being milked.”
The family’s freestall facilities highlight the latest in cow comfort and the latest in barn ventilation technology. “Just the layout of the farm is neat, beautiful and well planned,” she said.
“Everyone will enjoy the fact that this multiple-generation farm keeps building and increasing the farm’s capacity to remain competitive in today’s agricultural world,” said Keller.
Multiple opportunities for farm tours
Multiple farm tours will take place all three days. “We’re going to have trams leaving at regular intervals from Innovation Square,” said Keller. “That’s another reason to put Innovation Square on your schedule when you come to the show.”
The farm tours will take attendees past all the farm buildings. ”We hope to have speakers on each tram to talk about the specific aspects of the rotary parlor, freestall barns and other facilities on the farm,” she said.
The trams will also take visitors to the various field demonstration areas and exhibit areas. Look for the tram stop signs if you want to catch a ride.
Plenty of go-to places for family and youth activities
A family care area is located in the Greenstone Farm Credit Tot Zone at the center of Tent City. This small, private area is available for diaper changing, breastfeeding and other basic childcare needs.
Wisconsin Farm Technology Days also features a Youth Agriculture Adventure. “Pick up a passport at one of the admission gates, or anywhere you see a green flag,” said Weller. “Visit the locations in your passport, and once you’ve visited at least 5 locations, you can go to the Progressive Agriculture Foundation booth in the Rural Events Center to claim your prize.
Heritage display, and a plethora of food trucks
A display of heritage farm equipment will be provided by the members of the Union Threshermen’s Club.
Two dozen food trucks will be parked along Sixth Street in Tent City. Those vendors will provide show-goers with plenty off culinary options. Food and beverage choices range from lemonade, soda and coffees, to burgers, BBQ platters, corn on the cob, cheese curds fresh or deep-fried, paninis, loaded baked potatoes, brats and polish sausages, pizza, gyros, Carribean-style fare, popcorn, subs, tacos and more.
Check out our soil and test your water at the Progress Pavilion, DNR tent
The Progress Pavilion returns to Farm Technology Days. A soil pit will give attendees a close look at what’s taking place below the surface. Government agency staff members will be on hand to answer questions and provide assistance.
Attendees are encouraged to stop by the DNR tent at the intersections of Wisconsin Avenue and 6th Street to learn about ongoing DNR initiatives and ask questions about natural resources and conservation.
The tent will be staffed by the DNR Watershed Management, Water Resources, Forestry, Law Enforcement, Waste Management, Drinking Water and Groundwater, and Wildlife Management program employees.
There will be interactive exhibits with animal furs and skulls. Heavy equipment used for wildland fire control and recreational patrol vehicles will also be on display. The Drinking Water and Groundwater program will again offer free, on-site nitrate screenings for private well owners.
What to know if you go
This article originally appeared on Wisconsin State Farmer: 45,000 expected to visit 2025 Wisconsin Farm Technology Days at Clinton Farms in Waupaca County
Reporting by Dan Hansen / Wisconsin State Farmer
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
