2025 Western Farm Show Returns for its 63rd Year of Success

The 2025 Western Farm Show, celebrating its 63rd season, will take place from February 21-23 at the American Royal Complex in Kansas City, Missouri, offering farm and ranch families a unique blend of information and entertainment.

In 2024, the show featured new attractions, including a catwalk at the South Entrance sponsored by Sukup dealers Miller Welding and Seed and Farm Supply, Inc., along with equipment displays at the North Entrance sponsored by Honey Bee Manufacturing and St. Joseph Tractor. Director Chris Chinn inaugurated FFA Day, welcoming over 4,500 students from Missouri and Kansas.

MFA, Inc. served as the primary sponsor for the event, showcasing Dr. Ron Gill’s popular Low-Stress Cattle Demonstrations, known for attracting a full arena. Applegate expressed excitement about the growing number of first-time attendees experiencing Dr. Gill’s work, emphasizing the value of providing practical strategies for farmers and ranchers. Many attendees report using insights from the demonstrations in their operations, leading to a cycle of returning interest year after year.

“We’re proud the Western Farm Show ranks among the top indoor farm shows in the Midwest. We’re more than just a big show, we are an ag event.” – Jami Applegate, Western Farm Show Manager

The recent Farm Equipment Career Development Event (FECDE) showcased 104 FFA students competing in a three-part agricultural machinery competition, emphasizing the integration of classroom learning with practical farming skills. Teachers appreciated seeing their students’ growth, while returning competitors aimed for the top prize of $1,000 from BTC Bank. This event not only fosters students’ competitive spirit but also connects them with potential employers in the agricultural industry, highlighting the vital role of community volunteers and The American Royal in making this event successful.

The Upper-Level Exhibition Hall features an impressive range of large exhibitors, showcasing trucks, machinery, side-by-sides, trailers, and vintage tractors, while the Missouri Farm Bureau hosts its Health and Safety Roundup, providing valuable health checks. Partnering with ten agencies, the event offers interactive and educational booths for attendees of all ages, and a variety of health screenings— including blood pressure, hearing, vision, and cholesterol tests—aimed at promoting wellness and safety in the community.

The Family Living Center created a family-friendly environment this year, featuring a diverse range of attractions including shopping for goods like soap and boots, dining options, and opportunities to interact with animals, whether for petting or purchasing. With Family Center Farm and Home offering a variety of products, the Center aimed to cater to all ages, ensuring that every family member could find something enjoyable during their visit, particularly in the Upper Level area as highlighted by Applegate.

Applegate has successfully managed three shows, emphasizing the ongoing expansion and enhancement of family-friendly activities at the annual event. Exciting plans are in motion for the 2025 show, including the introduction of a new event dedicated to women in the agriculture industry, which Applegate has passionately envisioned. With a remarkable roster of speakers lined up, the commitment to continuous growth and engagement in the agricultural community remains a priority.

Applegate emphasizes the Western Farm Show’s significance as the largest indoor agricultural event in the Midwest, highlighting its role not just as a massive exhibition, but as a comprehensive gathering designed to engage farmers, ranchers, and their families in the agricultural community.

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For more information contact:

JAMI APPLEGATE, Western Farm Show Manager
PHONE: (816)412-6118
EMAIL: japplegate@naeda.com
VISIT: www.westernfarmshow.com

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