Parsons, Kansas — Get out your calendar and the yellow hi-liter, turn to July and, if there is nothing else marked for the entire month, make sure Friday, Saturday and Sunday, July 15-17 are set aside so plans can be made to come the the 2011 Four State Farm Show.

This year’s show, held near Pittsburg, Kansas has filled up faster than shows in years past according to Farm Show Coordinator, Ted Gum.

“This is the earliest we have had every booth booked in the 700-booth Four State Farm Show,” Gum says. “We have started a waiting list for exhibitors wanting in the show.”

And if that isn’t reason enough to make sure you attend the Four State Farm Show, here is a long list.

“I know I say it every year, but I truly believe it, so I am going to say it again. The Four State Farm Show is like the Mall Of Agriculture,” he says. “But, it only lasts three days so be sure to get there.”

“This show is a gathering of agriculture. It’s a place where ag businesses and ag producers can come together,” he says.

Like every year, the 25-acre Farm Show site will be filled with all of the latest agriculture equipment.

The over 700 Farm Show exhibitors will be displaying all of the latest farm equipment, seed, feed, agri-chemicals, livestock equipment, farm buildings, grain and feed bins, tools, tires, trailers ATVs, Utility Vehicles and so much more.

So, how much does it cost to attend a show with everything that has to do with agriculture included?

“The price for admission and parking is the same this year that is has always been—FREE,” Gum explains.

The show, according to him has been coined a ‘selling show’ so the FREE admission and parking has stayed the same, allowing those in attendance to spend more with the Farm Show vendors.

The show gives farmers and stockmen somewhere to come in one location to see more equipment then on any machinery dealer lot.

“There are a number of companies out there that have catalogs to order from but you don’t get to see their equipment at the local dealership,” Gum says. “That is not the case at the Four State Farm Show. All the dealers and distributors will be on hand with their products.”

According to him, you can see and touch more equipment at the Farm Show then if you drove to every dealer in the four-state area.

Although the name implies that the show is a ‘farm’ show—it is so much more.

“This show features a little something for everyone,” Gum explains. “Whether you are looking for something for your lawn or garden or if you farm 10,000 acres, there is something for you at this show.”

In addition to having a wide range of items available, Farm Show vendors come to the show prepared to sell their goods and services.

Those in attendance are going to get the best deal possible with “Farm Show” pricing on virtually everything.

So maybe shopping is not exactly someone’s idea of a good time—even if it is at the “mall of agriculture.”

Those who aren’t that into shopping will have the opportunity to try out new equipment or watch new equipment being operated at the test driving and demonstration sites.

Forage producers will get to see the latest hay equipment running in field conditions so they can compare big round balers, disc mowers, mower conditioners, rakes and other bale handling equipment at the Farm Show’s daily Hay Demonstrations.

Need a new mower? Ever wonder how they ride and mow?

You’re in luck because the Four State Farm Show has a Lawn Mower Test Driving Range.

This gives farm and ranch families the opportunity to actually operate the newest mowers from a variety of companies.

With everything the Four State Farm Show has to offer it is definitely a “must-attend” event and the thousands in attendance each year have proved that.

“While you are at the show don’t forget to stop by the Farm Talk booth and re-new your subscription to Farm Talk newspaper and get a free gift,” Gum says. “There will also be a ATV or Utility Vehicle give-away again this year at the end of the show and anyone 18-years-old or older can sign up for the chance to win it.”

So, if Friday, Saturday and Sunday, July 15, 16 and 17 aren’t marked on your calendar yet, what are you waiting on?

Parking and admission are FREE and the show hours will be from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily so come and spend the entire day.

The Four State Farm Show grounds are located south of Pittsburg, Kan., to the junction of highways 400, 69 and K-171, and then 1/2 mile east.

The Four State Farm Show is sponsored by Farm Talk Newspaper. For more information, call 620-421-9450.