For its 50th anniversary, the Wisconsin Public Service (WPS) Farm Show received a most appropriate gift – plenty of golden sunshine. Unseasonably warm temperatures attracted 23,000 visitors from throughout Wisconsin, Michigan's Upper Peninsula, Minnesota, Illinois and Canada to the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) grounds in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, March 30-April 1.

With more than 400 exhibitors filling four aircraft hangers, an additional tent and any available lawn space on the 10-acre show site, there was plenty to see. The farm show provided an opportunity for the agricultural community to check out the latest farming equipment, machinery, tools and services. Seminars were held on energy efficiency, sand separation, dairy ventilation, alternative energy, healthy hearts and green technology.

Show attendees could also visit with on-site agricultural consultants from WPS, take advantage of low-cost routine medical screenings and bid on silent auction items to benefit Wisconsin FFA programs. On Wednesday afternoon, future farmers tested their peddling skills and strength in the ever-popular Kiddie Tractor Pull.

The WPS Farm Show got its start in 1961 as the idea of bringing electricity to the farm was emerging and farmers were eager to learn how electricity could help in their daily tasks. WPS invited a group of manufacturers and farmers together. The first show had 30 exhibitors and a couple thousand attendees.

Although the products have changed in the last 50 years, the premise of the show remains the same – to help farmers identify and implement solutions to get their work done effectively, efficiently and safely.

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Mark your calendar for the 51st Annual WPS Farm Show in 2011 – March 29, 30 and 31, 2011. PD

Karen Lee