The Farm Progress Hay Expo has only made its way to Wisconsin three times in the past 23 years.

Farmers who attended say it’s good to see the equipment up close, instead of looking at pictures in brochures, at the dealership.

It's not often these farmers get to see someone else, doing the work. Organizers call this, the nation's biggest two day hay event.

“This show is a national show and it’s held every year, traditionally it has been in the south so its fun to bring it closer to some area farms.” Says Hixton farmer Travis Armitage, he gave up some of his land to help show off the equipment.

He and other farmers say it's nice to have the expo in their, back yard.

"As long as the weather holds out it should be a great show." says Lance Meier.

Eighty companies are at the expo this year with displays and equipment.

Meier says, "”We are here looking at the new machines."

Hay Expo 2009 centers on the hay crop, and everything related to the hay harvest, from mowing to baling.

Dena Morgan is an organizer of the event and says, “Not only is it the large equipment manufactures it’s the seed companies and people who make twine and netting and tarps.”

Local farmers say they liked not having to go too far to get to see the latest pieces of technology designed to save them time.

Lance Meier, says, "It's interesting to see the farm expo here during our harvest time we are making feed and this comes here normally it’s in Iowa and that a 6 to 8 hour drive kind of nice to be close.”

This is only the fourth time the hay expo has been in Wisconsin.
It runs tomorrow from 9-4PM with equipment demonstrations from 10-3PM. Admission is free but parking is $7.