Empire Farm Days 2000 (Discuss This Topic With Others)

07.10.00 :: I visited the Empire Farm Days 2000 on Wednesday, August 9th, and got a chance to talk with representatives from many companies, and also take a few photos of the action while I was there. I'd like to share some of what I saw at the show with you.

The Empire Farm Days 2000 in Seneca Falls, New York featured over 600 exhibitors displaying their new products and equipment across 100 acres of land, on August 8-10, 2000. The event claims to be the largest east of Louisville, with most major manufacturers of farm tractors and equipment displaying.

Looking forward to the John Deere, Kubota, and New Holland displays, I also found many other company's displays impressive, starting with Honda ATV's display. Although they had many ATVs on display, the highlight was their blow-up ATV balloon for sure. Larger than any piece of equipment at the show, this thing was huge! Large enough for many visitors to stop, stare, or just go inspect the structural integrity of the beast, I was sure impressed with it!

Now, to the equipment! Starting with 3-point equipment, the Befco display showed off a variety of implements from rakes and blades to their CycloneFlex mower. Representatives were available to answer questions and provide literature on the products, as well as explain the features of the implements.

The other large implement manufacturer displaying was Woods, with a full display of equipment and  implements. Also found at the woods display was a John Deere 990 compact tractor with a flex-mower.

All of the major tractor manufacturers were displaying; John Deere, Kubota, New Holland, Case and Massey Ferguson, among others.

The New Holland display featured all sizes of tractors, from lawn tractors to 4WD tractors. As always, the New Holland cab tractors are very impressive and comfortable, as well as appealing in terms of styling. Several models were showing off the SuperSteer axle, which got many viewer's attention. The full line of TC series compacts was on display, sitting between combines and ag tractors. Also on display was a narrow cab tractor, which was interesting as well. New Holland company representatives were available to answer questions, and their information booth was nicely done, with plenty of product literature available. New Holland also gave out promotional pieces like decals, New Holland bags, key chains, and TN series "Mightygrip" gripping pads. I found the New Holland display to be the best of any tractor manufacturer, considering their selection of both small and large tractors, as well as the representatives and information being available.

Kubota also had a complete display with many tractors from the T-series to the M-series. The Kubota display seemed to be popular, with a few small groups of people around any given tractor. The BX-series was popular, and kids were hopping in and out of the cab tractors left and right. All B-Series models were on display, except for the B21. Most L-Series models were on display as well, and several M-Series tractors, including M6800, M9000, and M120 cab tractors.

John Deere's compact tractor offerings were smaller than New Holland or Kubota's, but as one of their representatives pointed out, they didn't have enough room. Large John Deere equipment was front and center, as well as some construction equipment and gator utility vehicles. Two compact models, the 790 and 4600, were on display. John Deere also had an information tent with literature displays outside. John Deere wins the 'best sign' award, thanks to their very nice sign on display, featuring their new logo and a "Solid, Stable, Still John Deere" slogan.

Massey Ferguson also had a display, and one compact tractor on display. Long had several of their LandTrac models on display, and Cub Cadet had two compact tractors on display as well. Case had a display of ag and construction equipment.

Another display worth noting was the Bobcat display, with a fair sized crowd watching two skid-steers on tracks playing in the mud, digging holes, plowing dirt, and showing off their fancy turning!

The show also featured several sawmill demonstrations and chainsaw companies, as well as displays of Dodge and Chevy trucks, and DeWalt power tools. Quality Farm and Care (formerly Central Tractor) also had a display, with their full line of King Cutter 3-point implements on display.

While the event was large and popular, it was very well organized and kept clean and neat. Many thanks to the Empire Farm Days, their sponsors, the staff, and all of the exhibitors for a great show!