BEAR CREEK, Wis. — Wisconsin Farm Technology Days runs for three days in August. This year, it’s at Clinton Farms near Bear Creek in Waupaca County.
Host farm part-owner Brad Clinton said the event is a one-stop show mixing some of the newest farm equipment with farm practices and entertainment.
“It’s important to get the word out to people who don’t know necessarily the importance of agriculture in Wisconsin, the importance of dairy and where their food comes from,” he said.
Agriculture is a $116 billion industry annually in Wisconsin, according to Wisconsin’s Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.
The annual event showcases the latest equipment, research and production practices in the industry.
Clinton Farms hosted Farm Technology Days in 1978 and 2003.
“You get to see firsthand the equipment, multiple brands of the equipment, all in one place,” Clinton said. “You get the field demos. It’s a unique thing where everything is in one place.”
A six-year-old rotary milking parlor is one of the biggest changes to the farm’s hardware in the past 22 years.
Organizers hosted a media day Tuesday.
“We have a great collection of scientists in our state in the university system and the technical school system, but to help share their ideas, concepts and research that’s showing new ways of doing things,” said Janet Keller, the general manager of the event. “Or perhaps returning to old ways that will do things like conserve soil and help with manure management and such … to make sure we’re good stewards of the land.”
This year’s show runs from Aug. 5-7. Admission is $15 per day. Kids 12 and under are free.
“This is a multiple generation family-farm, but it’s a very progressive farm with new facilities featuring cow comfort, featuring a rotary milking parlor for 800 cows,” Keller said. “It’s a fantastic showcase for agriculture.”
Clinton said the show is also an opportunity to show and explain to the public where their food comes from.
“You want the public to realize what farmers do and all the effort and work they put into this,” Clinton said. “We really truly care about the public and the product they’re receiving from us.”
Get more information, here.
