Each February, farmers and agricultural professionals from across the United States and around the world gather in Louisville, Kentucky for one of the largest and most important events in the farming calendar. The National Farm Machinery Show is held annually at the Kentucky Exposition Center and attracts visitors to explore the latest equipment and technology shaping modern agriculture. It is the world’s largest indoor farm machinery exposition, covering more than one million square feet of exhibit space filled with tractors, harvesters, planting and tillage equipment, precision farming tools, and technology solutions.

The show traces its roots back to the early 1960s, when an electricity demonstration for farmers evolved into a full trade show. By the mid-1960s, the event had adopted the name National Farm Machinery Show and was drawing a growing crowd of farmers and equipment manufacturers. Over six decades, the show has grown alongside the industry it serves, becoming a must-attend event for farmers, dealers, and agribusiness professionals.

The importance of this show goes beyond the impressive scale of the displays. It is a place where farmers gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge innovations, attend educational seminars led by industry experts, and connect with peers to share knowledge and best practices. The show is free and open to the public, making it a great opportunity for families and future generations of farmers to see the machinery that feeds the world. Manufacturers use the event to debut new products and showcase advancements in automation, sustainability, and digital agriculture that are helping farmers meet the challenges of today’s agricultural landscape.

This year marks the 60th annual celebration of the National Farm Machinery Show. Organizers expect around 300,000 visitors over four days, from February 11 through February 14. Attendees come from many states and even other countries to see the newest innovations and explore the sold-out exhibit halls filled with hundreds of exhibitors. The economic impact for the Louisville area is also significant, with nearby hotels and businesses reaching full capacity during the event.

Alongside the equipment displays, long-standing traditions continue to draw attention. One of the most popular attractions is the Championship Tractor Pull held nightly in Freedom Hall. More than 70,000 spectators are expected to enjoy this high-powered competition where drivers test horsepower and precision. The show also includes free daily seminars and a gift and craft market with many vendors. Attendees can climb into the cab of the latest tractors and machinery to get a real feel for what is available in the field.

There is a lot of equipment at this year’s show that is attracting significant interest from visitors. AGCO is showcasing the Fendt 1000 Vario Gen4 tractor with autonomous operation capabilities and integrated precision technology, along with the MF 9S tractor from Massey Ferguson, framed by advanced sprayer and planter equipment. Precision farming tools from PTx are on display for grain carts and tillage automation, offering a glimpse at how autonomy and data-driven tools can improve planting and harvesting operations. Of course, companies like Case IH, John Deere, Massey Ferguson, and New Holland are on full display. Several specialty exhibitors are featuring new seeding products, including seed boot stabilizers and closing wheels designed to improve planting accuracy and consistency.

Other exhibitors are highlighting innovations in electric actuators and control systems that can improve efficiency and machine responsiveness. Across the show floor, visitors can see the latest offerings from a wide range of manufacturers, including compact and utility tractors, large row-crop tractors, advanced planting and tillage solutions, tools for livestock operations, and emerging technologies such as agricultural drones and artificial intelligence applications.

For many attendees, the National Farm Machinery Show is more than a trade event. It is a place to uphold traditions, learn from agricultural leaders, and plan for the year ahead. From its start in the 1960s to today’s vast indoor show floor, this annual gathering remains one of the most important events in the farming world, drawing generations of farmers to Louisville to celebrate innovation and community.