Went to the Farm Progress Show on Tuesday.

My first time going, was ready to roll out by 4:30AM, and got there by 6:30AM. It was a brisk 47 degrees by then. Waited in line until 8AM, then they let us in. Walked around constantly from 8AM until 1PM. Ran into a few people I knew, and picked up quite a few freebies. My arm is sore from carrying them all.

If you're looking for "the good stuff" and you're going tomorrow, let me suggest the highlights of what I picked up:

1) Kubota.

-They were giving out free mouse pads!

2) ------- Seeds.

-They had free bags that were like thin canvas with sewn on straps!

3) O'Reilly Auto Parts

-They were giving out free mini pocket knives!

4) Grave Digger

-Dustin Brown (crew chief) was signing post-card sized pictures and you could get an up close view of the truck they had there!

I didn't go for the free stuff though (I had no idea there'd be so much of it), but to check out the GPS guidance stuff and precision planting stuff I used to work with. It is all quite fascinating and out of the price range of any farmers I know, including my own family.

Still, it's always great to see where it all is heading. Also stopped by some of the welding tents to see the latest and greatest. For a first experience, I was quite pleased with it - think I'll go again in 2011. Also, the Versatile lot has the most impressive "big tractors" there this year, IMO.

Thanks for the tips, I'm heading there today. Its not quite so far a drive (30 miles).

It's an experience everyone should enjoy at least once in their life. I've been to 7 in Iowa. Always look forward to the next.

It really was quite pleasant. And our seed dealer got us free tickets, which made it even better.

Oh yeah, and State Farm has your choice of a Lunch Bag or Flashlight or some other small items.