"Farm swag"

I spent the day Wednesday at the Grandaddy of all farm shows; the Farm Progress Show.  It was in Decatur this year which is just an hour and a half away.  I went with Son #1, my Father, and my Uncle.  It was a cool morning followed by a very warm afternoon, but it was a good day to be there.  I was able to walk the entire show, but I could have spent much more time at some of the companies exhibits.  You spend a lot of time running into and visiting with people you know from all over the Midwest, and that tends to slow you down.  I was hoping to get to see the KSI drive-over conveyor that Son #2 helped design this summer, but it must not have been ready for the show yet.  Lots of new equipment and technologies were being displayed and promoted.  Its a great opportunity to learn and ask questions directly to the manufacturers  This old farmer is having a hard time keeping up with the pace of change though.  The price tags on new equipment seem to grow exponentially also.

I always manage to bring home a bag of gifts from the exhibitors and this year was no exception.  It helps to know lots of dealers, reps, and DSM's.  I got 4 new caps, 2 flashlights, 2 multi-tools, a pocket knife, aluminum water bottle, a collapsible water bottle, safety glasses, sun glasses, night light, soft cooler, 2 pair of leather gloves, a tire pressure gauge, quart of flower fertilizer, 2 sample bottles of Ignite Herbicide, can coolers, basting brush, rain poncho, and other misc. items.  And cloth shopping bags to carry it all in.  Along with free popcorn, peanuts, candy, snow cone, ribs, lemonade, and bottled water.  The problem with all of this is that its a real pain to carry so much stuff around all day.  You start looking like a pack mule.

We made it home in time for chores and church.

Many will intreat the favour of the prince: and every man is a friend to him that giveth gifts.
Proverbs 19:6