GRAND ISLAND — Known as the world’s largest totally irrigated working farm show, the dates for the 2023 Husker Harvest Days are quickly approaching.
“For over 40 years, Husker Harvest Days has a provided world-class space where farmers and ranchers gain priceless insights for their operations while make connections that last for years,” per the event’s website.
The event is recognized internationally as a showcase for irrigation, livestock and agriculture technology.
“It’s fair to say HHD is one of the best exhibits companies put up to display their new technology and tools, and it’s one of the best places for folks to come and learn about,” says Matt Jungmann Farm Progress national events director. “It would be great if we can attract growers all over the world to HHD.”
The event this year runs from Tuesday, Sept. 12 to Thursday, Sept. 14. The show hours are 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday and 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Thursday.
The event offers ag producers the chance to see the latest tractors, combines, harvesters, grain-handling equipment and irrigation technologies. There are live demonstrations offered where attendees can watch and even participate.
“But this event isn’t just for farmers anymore. More than 600 exhibitors showcase a wide range of products and services, including a large craft tent. There’s something new every year at this event that draws visitors from 30 U.S. states and several countries abroad,” according to Grand Island Tourism.
“We have a lot of new stuff at Husker Harvest Days this year. Leading off with the new All-American Farmstead from Chief. All new Chief exhibit with home, shop, bin and grain handling. Case IH will have their new 715 Quad-Track,” Jungmann said.
Chief’s All-American Farm exhibit has expanded from four lots to 12. The company is also showing off their 140,600-bushel grain bin system.
Field Demonstrations are located north and west of the show grounds. Corn Harvesting Demos will be held in two separate sessions at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Tillage will begin immediately following the combining demonstration at 1 p.m., Corn Residue Baling will be at 1:30 p.m. and Haying Demonstrations will be at 2 p.m.
There are also live cattle handling demonstrations that show the safe way to handle cattle. Attendees can see new equipment work through comparisons of chutes and the latest technology.
Joe Jeffrey of rural Lexington returns this year as the commentator for the cattle demonstrations. Jeffrey brings his unique brand of humor and lengthy veterinary career experience to the show.
“Producers attending Husker Harvest Days will get a chance to enhance their management skills, gain insights on marketing and learn more about how customer tastes are changing. Beef seminars will be held in the Livestock Industries Building,” according to the HHD website.
There will also be an Autonomy Showcase that will provide a hands-off demonstration that goes beyond auto-steering. There will be two autonomous machines in operation provided by Raven.
These include: OMNiDRIVE™ – which helps eliminate the need for the driver in the tractor pulling the gain cart to unload the combine on the go and OMNiPOWER™ – is a self-propelled power platform that is designed to easily interchange farm implements like a sprayer or spreader to do multiple tasks around the fields without a driver.
There will be five information booths dispersed throughout the grounds. They will be stocked with show information as well as local materials.
The Nebraska Natural Resources District will be honoring Hall of Fame inductees for 2023 at this year’s show. The announcement ceremony will take place on Wednesday at 2 p.m. in the hospitality tent.
“With hundreds of exhibitors, this is your opportunity to walk around and see what’s new from your favorite companies in addition to discovering new tech from up and comers. With many new products launching, Husker Harvest Days is proud to offer farmers an opportunity to discuss new products in person with the experts and specialists who built them,” per the HHS website.
Husker Harvest Days got its start in October 1978, but because the date landed in the middle of the area harvest, the next year it was moved to what has become the traditional mid-September start date.