Winter is nature’s Sabbath, a pause in the relentless rhythm of planting and harvesting. For farmers it’s a time when the fields rest under frost and the barn work slows enough to allow for reflection and renewal. It is this season that offers a rare opportunity to step out of the daily grind and into the greater conversation of agriculture—a conversation that’s happening at winter trade shows and industry meetings.

According to Tanner Winterhof, co-host of the popular ag podcast Farm4Profit, you can think of these gatherings as the potluck dinner of the farming world: everyone brings something to the table and leaves with a plate full of inspiration and practical tools to enrich their operation.

The work of farming doesn’t stop, but winter allows us to shift gears and prioritize not just the soil beneath our feet but the knowledge and relationships that sustain our industry. If we’re going to thrive in the face of challenges, we need this time to gather and learn together. Here are some of Winterhof’s insights into why you should make the time to attend a winter trade show this year:

1. Build a Stronger Network

Farming is often a solitary vocation. The fields that define our lives can feel like oceans between us and our neighbors, especially when the relentless busyness of the work keeps us tied to our own little corner of the world. But winter trade shows remind us that agriculture is fundamentally a community endeavor, bringing together a patchwork quilt of people all united by a shared commitment to stewarding the land. If you’ve ever felt isolated by the challenges of the profession, these events serve as a reminder that you are not alone. 

• Build Relationships: Whether you’re a fifth-generation farmer or just starting out, these gatherings are the perfect opportunity to meet people who share your passion for agriculture. Together you can share new ideas and troubleshoot challenges while growing your professional network in the process.
• Peer Insights: The beauty of these gatherings is the diversity of voices in the room. You might meet a first-generation farmer experimenting with vertical growing systems or a retired grain producer with decades of wisdom to share. These interactions spark new ideas and challenge you to think beyond your own fencerows.
• Collaborations: Some of the most successful collaborations in ag have started with a simple handshake at a trade show. Tanner Winterhof emphasizes that the best way to unlock opportunities is to show up, listen, and share your story.

2. The Exchange of Information

Farming is as much about learning as it is about growing. The agricultural industry thrives on shared wisdom, and winter trade shows are like a giant library of practical knowledge. “They are a goldmine for anyone willing to listen and observe,” said Winterhof.

• Educational Sessions: If you’re serious about staying ahead of the curve, the workshops and panels at these events are non-negotiables. Topics can range from climate-smart agriculture to nice market strategies, but regardless of what you’re drawn to they are packed with insights from people who have dirt under their fingernails and wisdom to share.
• Live Demos: There is no substitute for seeing new equipment in action. Watching something operate in a real-world scenario often answers questions you didn’t even know you had. How will this work on my farm? What kind of maintenance does it require? Will it save me time or money? These live demonstrations let you kick the proverbial tires before making big decisions.
• Industry Trends: It can be easy to get set in our ways, but agriculture is always evolving and winter trade shows can be a chance to get a front-row seat to the latest innovations shaping the future. It’s a chance to think strategically about how your farm fits into the greater ag landscape.

3. Release of New Technology

Manufacturers are well aware that winter is the off-season for most farmers, which is why winter trade shows are their stage for debuting the latest tools and technologies. Many companies spend the growing season fine-tuning their products in real-world conditions, ensuring they’re market-ready solutions that can make a difference on your farm. By the time winter trade shows roll around, they’re ready to showcase innovations that have been tested and refined. 

• Be the First to Know: As trade shows unveil cutting-edge products and equipment, those who attend winter trade shows get the first look at these innovations. Winterhof notes that being among the first to adopt these technologies can give your farm a significant advantage.
• Hands-On Experience: Seeing is believing, but doing is understanding. At trade shows, you get to experience the latest innovations in real-time, and putting your hands on a tool or watching a machine operate right in front of you helps you figure out whether it’s a good fit for your operation.
• Expert Guidance: One of the greatest perks of trade shows is access to the people behind the innovations. Manufacturers and developers are there to answer your questions, and meeting them is a rare opportunity to get insider knowledge straight from the source.

4. Entertainment and Social Engagement

Winter trade shows may focus on knowledge and innovation, but let’s not forget the human side of farming. These events are more than just work—they’re an opportunity to have a little fun, and camaraderie can go a long way in reigniting your passion for the work we do.

• Fun Activities: Many trade shows are designed to engage the whole person, not just the professional. You’ll find everything from live music that gets your feet tapping to comedy acts, as well as other opportunities to socialize.
• Meet Your Favorite Influencers: Today’s agriculture community has been uplifted by the voices that inspire us and push us forward. At many events you’ll have opportunities to meet popular personalities, like Tanner Winterhof and his co-hosts of the Farm4Profit podcast. Stop by, shake a hand, snap a photo, and share a conversation, and you might walk away with insights you didn’t expect.
• Reignite Your Passion: These events have a way of rekindling the fire that can flicker when farming gets tough. The energy and excitement of being surrounded by others who share your vision can leave you invigorated. Trade shows remind us that we’re a part of a greater community of people.

5. Unlock Exclusive Deals 

One of the best-kept secrets of winter trade shows is the opportunity to save money while investing in the future of your operation. They’re prime territory for scoring deals you won’t find anywhere else, and for farmers who know how to stretch a dollar without sacrificing quality, this is the season to take advantage.

• Discounts and Promotions: Vendors at trade shows often pull out all the stops, offering deals that are only available to attendees. It’s their way of saying, “Thanks for showing up.”
• Bundled Offers: Many companies also bundle their products and services into packages that are designed to maximize value for attendees. These bundles often include perks such as complimentary tools or extended warranties, all of which can make a real difference in the bottom line.
• Try Before You Buy: Trade shows give you the chance to get hands-on experience with the tools and technology you’re considering. You can test out anything you’ve had your eye on before committing your hard-earned money, allowing you to have more confidence in your purchases and avoid costly mistakes.

Where to Find the Farm4Profit Team This Winter

Practicing what they preach, Winterhof and the Farm4Profit podcast team are hitting the road this winter, and now is your chance to meet them in person at some of the biggest events in agriculture.

You’ll find the Farm4Profit crew at these can’t-miss trade shows:

• NACADE – Indianapolis, IN
• USCHI (United States Custom Harvesters, Inc.) – Des Moines, IA
• Iowa Ag Expo – Des Moines, IA
• NFMS (National Farm Machinery Show) – Louisville, KY
• Commodity Classic – Denver, CO

Winter trade shows are about more than technology and education—they’re about the people who make agriculture what it is. So as the frost settles on the fields, consider stepping into the warmth of a trade show.