60th annual National Farm Machinery Show returns, drawing 300,000 visitors to Louisville

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — One of the largest indoor farm trade shows in the world is back in Louisville, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors and delivering a major economic boost to the city.

The 60th annual National Farm Machinery Show is underway at the Kentucky Exposition Center, expected to bring about 300,000 people. The event features more than 800 exhibitors spread across 1.2 million square feet of exhibit space, showcasing the latest advancements in agricultural equipment and technology.

For many families, the show is more than just a trade event — it’s a tradition.

“Our farm has been in our family 155 years,” Philip Springston, who attended the show with his granddaughter, said. “This is my granddaughter, so she will be the fifth generation.”

Springston said his family comes every year, often seeing old friends and the latest and greatest when it comes to farming.

“To see the new technology and what they are doing — it’s just a fun day,” he said.

While visitors explore tractors, combines and other farm machinery inside, construction crews are working outside on the first phase of the Kentucky Exposition Center’s expansion project. Officials said the expansion is expected to be completed by the end of the year, with its first major event scheduled to be next year’s farm show.

“Just like the Kentucky State Fair, we’re putting on something here that is economically impactful, but it also means so much to the education and the forward thinking that farmers have in the community,” Ian Cox, spokesperson for the show and Kentucky Venues, said.

Organizers expect about 300,000 people to attend this year’s show, with visitors traveling from as far away as Germany, Australia and China. Nearby hotels report being fully booked during the event.

In addition to the exhibits, Freedom Hall hosts nightly Championship Tractor Pulls, which are expected to draw more than 70,000 spectators over the course of the show.

For Springston, the event is a chance to spend time with family and reflect on agriculture’s importance.

“It’s sad that people don’t realize how important agriculture is and the money we provide in the community and the food on your table three times a day,” he said.

The National Farm Machinery Show runs through Saturday, Feb. 14, and is free to attend.

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