Bringing together the region’s farming community and the services necessary for daily operations is the goal of the 10th Annual Western New York Farm Show, January 30 – February 1, 2019 at the Erie County Fairgrounds in Hamburg, New York. The exposition is sponsored by the Erie County Agricultural Society.
“Over the last decade, Western New York State’s agricultural industry has experienced mounting external challenges such as new labor laws, shifts in consumer preferences, lower commodity prices, loss of farmland due to development and higher production costs,” said Erie County Agricultural Society CEO Jessica Underberg. “Events like the Farm Show are part of the Society’s mission to promote the region’s agricultural resources, whether it’s the crops in the field or the hardworking people working in the barns. It’s our hope that the Farm Show helps to strengthen the farm community through education and communications with a little bit of fun thrown in.”
The Western New York Farm Show strives to educate farmers from around the region about the latest cutting-edge agricultural products and technology. Vendors include feed, seed, and equipment dealers, farm service providers, and non-for-profits that specialize in agriculture education, promotion, and advancement. Industry professionals will lead seminars daily covering a variety of topics and show goers will have an opportunity to earn spray credits during free pesticide recertification classes.
This year’s show highlights, provided at no cost, include discussions on “Managing Pasture Health,” “Worker Protection Standard and Farm Pesticide Regulations,” and “Keeping Long Term Hay Fields Productive.” Returning for 2020 will be the Farmer’s Bazaar showcasing local, homemade and regionally grown products
The show will also feature a number of spectator and participant driven competitions. High School students will be able to show off their skills during the Mechanics Competition on Friday, January 31st from 9:30am-1pm. The 5th Annual Farmer Elite Toss Hay Bale Throwing Competition take place each day of the show at Noon inside the Agriculture Discovery Center. A “pee wee” toss featuring competitors 12 & under will take place daily before the adult competition. The ADMAR Skid Steer Rodeo will time the fastest drivers as they navigate an obstacle course and compete against the clock.
The 2nd Annual Lumberjack Classic will attract the best timbersport competitors in the northeast to the Farm Show on Saturday, February 1st (9a-1p) During this free event, spectators will be able to see competitors chop and saw their way through a series of events that include “Jack and Jill Crosscut,” “Open Springboard,” and “Open Axe Throw.”
For little “future farmers,” children 12 & under will be able to compete for prizes during our Pedal Tractor Races on Saturday, February 1st. The popular “Little Hand On The Farm” experience from the Erie County Fair will be on display during the Show. Inside the Agriculture Discovery Center, kids will have the opportunity to collect eggs, apples, maple and milk and “sell” it back at the Farmer’s Market.
Free and open to the public, the WNY Farm Show will be held inside two heated buildings on the Fairgrounds. Show times are Thursday, January 30th, 10:00am-4:00pm; Friday, January 31st, 10:00am-4:00pm; Saturday, February 1st, 9:00am-3:00pm. For more information or to register for any of the open competitions, visit WNYFarmShow.com , email wnyfarmshow@ecfair.org or call 716-649-3900 ext. 6488.
The Erie County Fairgrounds is located in Hamburg, New York easily accessible by the New York State Thruway (I-90) off exit 56. The grounds are located just 20 minutes south of Buffalo. For GPS users, use the address 5820 South Park Avenue, Hamburg, New York 14075.