University News
Ag Mech Show
January 9, 2006
MACOMB, IL – Don’t miss the agriculture event of the year!
The 36th Annual Agriculture Mechanization Show at Western Illinois University, the largest student-run farm show in the United States, will be held Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 11-12 in Western Hall on the WIU campus in Macomb.
The two-day event, organized and conducted by WIU Agriculture Mechanization Club members and agriculture students, will feature emerging ag technology, farm tractors and machinery, livestock equipment and supplies, ag sales and service, conservation methods, crop supplies, ag structures, guest speakers and much more. More than 250 exhibitors will participate.
Charles Hartke, director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture, will speak at the opening ceremony beginning at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 11. Hartke was appointed director in April 2003 by Gov. Rod Blagojevich. A lifelong farmer, Hartke served in the Illinois House since 1985 and held a seat on the House Agriculture Committee. Hartke grew up on a farm in Teutopolis in southern Illinois. After a tour of duty with the U.S. Army in Vietnam, he and his wife, Kathy, bought a farm a mile from the one on which he was raised. His son, Chris, now manages the 800-acre operation. Before his election to the Illinois House, Hartke was involved in Effingham County government and served on the county board from 1971 to 1974.
In addition to the expo and Hartke's appearance, a farm toy and craft show will be held in the upper level of Western Hall. McDonough District Hospital will also host a booth featuring balance assessments and blood sugar screening, and Agriculture Professor Tom GreenÂ’s urban foresty students will host a rope-climbing activity during both days of the show. A youth pedal-tractor pull will be held Sunday afternoon.
The Ag Mech Show will take place 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11 and 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 12. Admission and parking are free.
For more information, contact the WIU agriculture department at 309/298-1080, or the Ag Mech Club office at 309/298-1231.
Posted By: Darcie Shinberger (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing
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