EDITORIAL: Farmfest ’08

The 27th annual Farmfest begins today. If you farm, or are concerned about farming, this three-day extravaganza 62 miles southwest of Hutchinson is for you.

More than 35,000 people attend each year to learn about everything from new technology and equipment to conservation and government farm policy. The event is one of five regional agricultural trade shows throughout the Midwest and Texas produced by Cygnus Expositions.

Nathan Winter, University of Minnesota Extension educator of McLeod and Meeker counties, will be at Farmfest to lead a panel discussion of Master Gardeners. Mr. Winter told us Farmfest attracts many farmers from our area, and even this year, with soybean aphids a big concern, “if shouldn’t be trouble to sneak down for a day, even if they have other work.”

New this year is the AgriPreneurship Pavilion, where the emphasis is on generating new revenue from your land. Ideas range from alternative energy to orchards and vineyards.

Early today the AgriPreneurship Pavilion is featuring presentations on new ag enterprise and organic farming. Tomorrow morning the discussion will turn to wind turbines and alternative fuels such as biodiesel and methane digesters. Both days will feature stories from successful “agripreneurs.” Thursday will feature steps toward planning a new ag enterprise.

More than 500 exhibits
FarmFest also features numerous exhibits — more than 500 vendors are on hand. “There’s a lot of things farmers can’t afford,” Mr. Winter said. “You have to figure out how you can put those things into your business plan.”

Livestock and field demonstrations are also planned.

Farming isn’t the only topic at Farmfest. In the Home and Garden Pavilion, forums focus on interior design, personal finances, Master Gardening and design of patios, screen rooms and sunrooms.

One thing Farmfest has become well-known for is its candidates’ forums on agriculture and rural issues. This morning, U.S. Sen. Norm Coleman and challengers Al Franken, Dean Barkley and Steve Williams are debating. In the afternoon, it’s U.S. Rep. Collin Peterson and his opponent, Len Menze, along with candidates vying for three other congressional seats. Gov. Tim Pawlenty will also speak.

Finally, several panel discussions will examine important ag issues. Tomorrow morning, U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar will join American Farm Bureau President Bob Stallman and National Farmer Union President Tom Buis in a discussion of “Beyond the New Farm Bill … What are the Next Big Policy Issues Facing Agriculture?” Other topics will include “Food vs. Fuel … Where is the Balance for Renewable Energy?” and “Creating a New Vision for Rural Minnesota’s Economic Future.”

Mr. Winter said there’s a lot to learn at Farmfest, but he also likes it for the opportunity to socialize. Where else can you visit with the governor as well as your farm neighbor, check out the latest farm equipment and enjoy music by the Great Pretenders?

Editorials are written by Publisher Matt McMillan and Editor Doug Hanneman. They can be reached at mcmillan@hutchinsonleader.com, or hanneman@hutchinsonleader.com.