OWATONNA — It is shaping up to be one of the biggest years ever for the North American Farm & Power Show, being held March 19-21 in Owatonna. Not only has it secured as many vendors as it can, but it will also feature the return of an FFA silent auction, plus seminars, prizes, food and farming fun.
“Even if there’s a farmer who’s been there (at the NAFPS) for the previous 23 (years), I promise you’ll see something new,” said Dan Slowinski with Tradexpos, who has been directing the NAFPS since 2023. “The purpose of it is to connect all of our exhibitors with the local farmers and ranchers in the area. … It makes it a one-stop shop where attendees can come and compare the products side-by-side; they can put their hands on the equipment and really get a feel for what’s new.”
The NAFPS has been held at the Steele County Fairgrounds in Owatonna since 2003, and its attendance usually averages about 10,000 people over its three-day period. This year’s exhibition space is sold out and features over 160 companies and 300 booths; 45 of those companies have been part of the show for over 20 years, and an additional 24 exhibitors will be there for the first time.
“We’re jam-packed from wall to wall,” Slowinski said. “(Owatonna) is the perfect area. We’re really in ag country down here. Companies from seven different states are coming to exhibit. … Last year was really, really good; we had over 13,000 people.”
The show will have seminars provided by the University of Minnesota Extension and Linder Farm Network, covering topics such as farm and business succession planning, cover crops, organic crops, farm water quality certification benefits, and beef quality assurance.
“The ag industry especially is knowledge-driven,” Slowinski said. “Knowledge is key. You need to know what’s out there, and planting season is right around the corner here, so it’s a good way to kick off the year.”
There is no cost for parking or admission. Food trucks will also be on site for the event so attendees can grab a bite.
According to Slowinski, just about anything that can be found on a farm will be at the NAFPS, including tractors, sprayers, trailers, skid loaders and attachments, drones, fencing equipment, cattle hauling equipment, seed, feed, fertilizer, auction companies, drainage, mowers, tools, cattle chutes, preservatives, welders, pressure washers, tires, grain handlers, and more. Miner’s Outdoor & Rec of Blooming Prairie has contributed a leaf blower, a chainsaw and a weed trimmer, which are prizes in a free drawing on each day of the show.
The Minnesota FFA used to run a silent auction at the NAFPS, but with other obligations, they had to step away from it a couple years ago. The Owatonna FFA Alumni Association is taking on the auction this year for the first time. The Owatonna FFA Alumni Association has provided FFA jackets for Owatonna FFA members as well as scholarships for students up to two years after their high school graduation.
“This past year, we weren’t able to do the tractor pull at the Steele County Fair, so we were wondering where we’ll get some funds back to help us with the scholarships,” said Greg Selk, Owatonna FFA Alumni secretary. “We’d talked about (the silent auction) before, … (and) we were able to take it over. It’ll help us give more back to the students at the Owatonna High School ag department and FFA.”
The silent auction includes themed baskets, apparel, cookbooks, decor and other donations from area businesses.
Selk said he is grateful for the opportunity for the Owatonna FFA Alumni to run the silent auction, and he is also glad to have the NAFPS in the community as well.
“The Farm & Power Show has always been a great event in Owatonna,” he said. “I go every year just to look around. You see the families, and their little kids are climbing on the tractors, and all the vendors are always really welcoming and nice and chit-chat with you, and they’ll help you with all your needs.”
Slowinski said he is also happy the NAFPS will benefit the local FFA.
“I’m a huge proponent of the FFA,” Slowinski said. “Growing up, I was in the Hayfield chapter (and) was an officer. … These kids raising money for scholarships, they’re going to be our exhibitors, our attendees in future years. These are the young men and women who are going to be taking over, and I can’t think of a better thing.”
Slowinski recommends NAFPS attendees to look for the event schedule on the Tradexpos website, under the NAFPS page, to plan their visit.
“You won’t be disappointed,” he said.
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