The first Four State Farm Show (known then as the Tri-State Farm Show) was held in March 1975 at the National Guard Armory in Pittsburg, Kansas as an effort to bring agricultural production and agribusiness together. 48 years later, the goal remains the same. While the inaugural effort drew about 60 exhibits, this year’s version, scheduled for May 19-21, will showcase approximately 800 booths.
The show will return to the beautiful campus of Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, KS. “Show attendees have really enjoyed viewing indoor displays in the climate-controlled Plaster Center the past two years” said Four State Farm Show manager, Lance Markley. “Additionally, acting on input from past year’s visitors, all the outdoor booths will be concentrated in very close proximity to the indoor venue” Markley added. All outdoor booths and parking opportunities are on hard surface.
At each year’s show, The Grand Giveaway prize drawing offers one fortunate farm show spectator the opportunity to take home a valuable prize at the conclusion of the show. This year’s prize will be a 2022 Load Trail 77” X 12’ single axle trailer sponsored by Sancrest Trailers with locations at Billings, Rogersville and Sarcoxie, MO. With a $2,600 retail value, the trailer features a treated wood floor, 4’ fold in gate, spare tire mount and is painted Kawasaki green with primer. The handy size is perfect for a city, suburban or farm owner. Registration will take place just inside the entry doors of the Plaster Center where the trailer will be on display. The grand prize drawing will be at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday.
Corbitt Wall, Market Economist, DV Auction will headline a presentation entitled “The Future Of The Cattle Market” featuring industry professionals from Specialty Risk Insurance and Joplin Regional Stockyards.
The National Institute for Materials Advancement (NIMA) at Pittsburg State University will conduct a series of workshops called F.A.R.M.S. (Farmers Accelerating Research In Material Science). The purpose of these workshops is to connect farmers and ranchers with scientists from NIMA. Through this exchange, scientists want to gain valuable insights into problems that can be addressed through advances in polymers and plastics. The F.A.R.M.S. workshops will be facilitated by Kansas State county extension agents.
Although many of the booths highlight the latest technology in farm machinery, construction equipment, livestock handling, feed and seed, a number of rural living displays will be incorporated into the offering. These shopping opportunities include clothing and jewelry, hunting supplies, metal art, embroidery, furniture, healthcare and home improvement. This vendor mix assures items of interest for all those in attendance.
A variety of tasty food truck style concessions will be available at the show. Maui Wowi Hawaiian Smoothies will bring a taste of the tropics. The smoothies are an all-natural fruit and yogurt based blend that are sure to have you dreaming of the beach. Cowboy Kettle Corn is made in an old-fashioned cast iron kettle using premium mushroom popcorn and stirred by hand with a wooden paddle. Lakeside Concessions from Shawnee, OK will offer delicious chicken on a stick, cheese fries and other favorite fair foods. Other option will be added prior to show time.
Visitors to the free admission show can access free parking in the Brown Lot east of the football stadium, at the Kansas Technology Center parking area, or on numerous other PSU parking lots throughout the campus. Buses will be available to shuttle attendees to the booth areas and (2) 40 passenger trams will travel continuously through the show during show hours. “Utilizing the various campus transportation options eliminates many of the walking concerns” Markley stated.
Pittsburg State University policy prohibits any moving ATV’s or UTV’s on the show grounds by exhibitors or spectators. Golf carts may be rented from the show supplier by calling 417-883-9393.
While many booths are already sold, a limited number of good indoor and outdoor booths remain available. Contact Markley at 620-423-2355 for details.
Additional show information and Grand Giveaway details are available at www.fourstatefarmshow.com or by calling the show promoter, Ozark Empire Fairgrounds at 417-833-2660.
