Farm Technology Days in Waushara County?
Farm Technology Days is the premiere outdoor agricultural show in Wisconsin and one of the largest in the nation. This three-day outdoor event showcases the latest improvements in production agriculture, including many practical applications of recent research findings and technological developments. The event is typically held in July and attracts over 40,000 people. Past host counties responded that benefits for the host County include leadership, community and economic development. Waushara County was a previous host for this event in 1990.
A host County is chosen three years in advance to allow for proper planning. Currently, Eau Claire County will host the 2021 show and Clark County will host the 2022 show. Waushara County has been approached to explore the idea of hosting Farm Technology Days in 2023.
In 2019 Farm Technology Days were held in Jefferson County with lower than anticipated attendance. The Central Wisconsin area is being looked at as the choice location to hold a show of this type. The central location with easy access from other parts of Wisconsin via I-39 and our state highways provides easy accessibility from a large area of the state. The Central Sands area, due to the sandy soil greatly lessons the chance that the show would be cancelled by a rain event. In 2014 the show in Portage County did received a rain event but the show was still able to be held without a cancellation.
In 2011 Waushara County was the host county for the selection of Wisconsin’s Alice in Dairyland. One of the major results of that program was the realization by people in Waushara County that agriculture is the major driver of the economy in Waushara County.
In order for the show to be successful, it will take a commitment from individuals across the county. A host farm or a couple of neighboring farms would need to be selected. The site would need around 75 acres for tent city, 75 acres for parking, and from 175 to 225 acres for field demonstrations. There will be opportunities to serve on planning committees or volunteer for the event. Typically around 1,200 to 1,500 volunteers are needed for this event.
This is where you come in. Enclosed is a short informational survey. Please take a couple minutes to complete the survey and drop it in the mail. We will be using the responses to gauge the interest within Waushara County.
Alternatively you may fill out the survey attached below and then save it as a Word file. Send it to me as an attachment to an email at, Ag.Agent@co.waushara.wi.us.