LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Agriculture enthusiasts from across the country are traveling to Louisville this week for the 2022 National Farm Machinery Show. 

Booths, tractors and the newest farming technology are all telling signs that the annual National Farm Machinery Show is back in action.

Farmer Kevin Biltz from Kent, Ohio, is no stranger to the farm show, as he has taken part for over 25 years.

He tells Spectrum News 1, “We come out here every year for the tractor pulls and the farm show just to see all the good stuff, new stuff, modern stuff. We enjoy coming down here every year, gets us out of work.”

Biltz says this four-day event is a catchall for farmers alike to showcase one-stop shopping under one roof.

“If you want to buy a new hay mower, you would look at all the mowers or combine or tractor and you get all the specs. Here you see everything where at home you’d have to drive from dealer to dealer to dealer,” explains Biltz.

With the future of agriculture continuing to change, the 4th generational farmer says the event is important for the industry.

Hoping to make a bigger profit, the grandfather of seven says the latest technology showcased continues to situate farmers for success.

“We’re always trying to save money, you know. We’re trying to pinch a nickel here to save money cause this year they’re talking fertilizer being the highest it’s ever been, fuel prices are up to $4 a gallon right now,” adds Biltz.

COVID-19 canceled the country’s largest indoor farm show last year, but people still need to eat, and agricultural work continued for the 62-year-old and others alike.

“A farmer never stops. We have to go regardless of what happens. If you’re milking cows or something, you go when you’re sick or not sick cause the cows have to be milked twice a day,” adds Biltz.

David Beck, President and CEO of Kentucky Venues says this year’s show will see 900 exhibitors displaying hundreds of products and equipment designed to help farms run as efficiently as possible.

“It’s tough out there, it is. We’re seeing an increase in input cost this year and the markets may not follow that. So, it’s a tight squeeze, margins can be thin. Farmers are constantly looking at how they can be more efficient and more effective,” explains Beck.

Now in its 56th year, it’s clear thousands share that devotion to the show.

“It’s like an old friendship. You see them once a year, you know, and then you catch up on what’s happening in the last year and talk about how their farm did and how your farm did. So it’s a good tradition.”

The estimated economic impact is more than $20.5 million.

The farm machinery show goes through Feb. 19.

There is no cost to attend, but parking is $10 per car and $20 per bus. 

Editor's Note: A previous version of this story misspelled Kevin Biltz's last name as "Blitz." That issue has since been corrected. We apologize for the error.