What activities keep you busy in the month of July? My term as Alice in Dairyland started just over one week ago and so far, I have filled my July with farm tours, county fairs, trainings, and even an airplane ride. Next up on the calendar is three fun-filled days at Wisconsin Farm Technology Days!
According to their event’s history, “Wisconsin Farm Technology Days was initially designed to take the university research findings to the Wisconsin citizens on a functioning farm during an outdoor show.” The show’s mission was to “promote technologies in agriculture and related industries and provide leadership development and education through businesses, industry, and agencies.”
Originally called Farm Progress Days, the first show was first held on September 30 and October 1, 1954, at three farms in Waupaca County. The estimated attendance was 15,000 and was generally considered to be a “flop” at the time due to rainy conditions (a total of 8.8 inches fell the week of the show). Farm Progress Days also faced direct competition with the National Mechanical Corn Picking Contest, also held in Wisconsin. Despite that, organizers decided to try again the following year. The 1955 show was again held in Waupaca County, the only time the show was held in the same county in two successive years. With ideal weather conditions, attendance was estimated to be 25,000, with tractor tipping demonstrations being one of the highlights of the show!
From there, Farm Progress Days bounced from county to county, highlighting technology advancements, competitions, demonstrations, and the agriculture community as a whole. After 50 years of progress, the show was officially renamed Wisconsin Farm Technology Days in 2003, back where it all started: Waupaca County. Hundreds of exhibitors, demonstrations, stage performances, and tours continue to keep attendees busy as they attend this annual event.
This year’s show is July 18-20 at the Badger Steam & Gas Engine Club in Baraboo. This is the second year the Alice in Dairyland program has their own booth, and I look forward to interacting with visitors there and throughout the grounds! Demonstrations have always been a highlight of the show and this year has plenty to offer. Cattle handling, shingle making, threshing, and sawmilling are just some of the ones planned. Additionally, tours will be available throughout the week, with attendees having the opportunity to visit a research station, a variety of farms, an implement manufacturer, or a recreation area. Tours are free, but advanced registration is required.
Whether you’re walking the tents to learn about current trends or products, watching the latest technology in action, or taking in an equine show, Wisconsin Farm Technology Days has something for everyone! Come find the Alice in Dairyland team in the Rural Events Center tent, right by the stage. If you miss us this year, we will see you in 2024 in Chippewa County!
— Ashley Hagenow is the 76th Alice in Dairyland, Wisconsin’s agriculture ambassador who works with media professionals to educate consumers about the importance of agriculture to Wisconsin’s economy and way of life. She can be reached at ashley.hagenow@wisconsin.gov.
