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Farm show exhibitors face post-COVID challenges

Many farm shows are back this summer after a year off during the pandemic but preparing for the show remains challenging.

Wisconsin Farm Technology Days Exhibitor Coordinator Anna Maenner says there are 480 exhibitors from 23 states so far, but the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted some international exhibitors. “We do have nine Canadian companies that are participating in the show. Those are the ones that do have dealerships or offices in the United States. Some of the others are having challenges with restrictions at the border.”

Maenner says exhibitors are also facing the same COVID-related supply chain issues as farmers. “Everything from little widgets that go in a piece of equipment to materials to sell are having a hard time getting through the whole system.”

Maenner says exhibitors are more innovative in showing what products and services they offer because of the supply chain glitches.  She’s still expecting they will have more than 500 exhibitors prepared to talk to farmers when the show opens July 20^th near Eau Claire, Wisconsin.