A growing event

KZZJ Radio owner Lila Harstad recalls when every town - large and small - hosted an ag show during the winter.

It was an opportunity for farmers and ranchers to come together to look ahead to a new growing season and visit informally with their seed or feed representatives, equipment and machinery representatives and agriculture lenders - all under one roof.

Unfortunately, over the years more and more shows were discontinued, leaving only a handful held primarily in the larger towns. And after several years of no show in Rugby, Harstad decided to do something about it.

She made some calls, visited with a number of agriculture-related business people and farmers. Eventually, the plans came into place.

Now in its seventh year, Rugby's North Central Dakota Ag Show, which Harstad is credited with starting, is set for this Friday, Feb. 6, has become a staple, following Minot's ag expo.

"The big shows offer all the newest and greatest things to come along in agriculture, but what I think is lost in those shows is the comradrie. The chance to rub shoulders with the people you know and do so in a familiar setting. I think that's a big part of our show."

The event annual has attracted a decent number of farmers and ranchers and has been strongly supported by a number of local and agriculture-related services and businesses, who have set up booths and displays.

Harstad said the vendors too enjoy the event because it's an opportunity to make contacts with prospective customers or clients in a friendly atmosphere, adding it's about networking.

The show also been effective in bringing in informative speakers and presenters to discuss the issues and trends facing agriculture today.

The show has also tied itself with the annual Geographical Center Chamber of Commerce's Farmers and Ranchers Night. An evening devoted to celebrate the work area farmers and ranchers perform and recognize how that work is important to the local economy. Both events have benefited from one another.

The first five years of the show were held in the pool area, of all places, at the Econo Lodge and adjacent Bob's Pizza Inn. Harstad picked that venue because it was unique and allowed for pool side hospitality rooms.

"It was a relaxing atmosphere,' she recalls. "The vendors were close together."

However, the show needed to find a new home and last year it moved to the Rugby Armory. Vendors were pleased with the turnout a year ago and there is a possibilty of a larger crowd since neighboring Bottineau did not host a show this year.

This week's show has over 25 exhibitors, Harstad said, and two presenters - Kent McKay and Van Ahn Marketing.

A no-host social will be held at 5:30 p.m. at the Eagles Club with the Farmers and Ranchers meal to follow. Tickets for that event are limited, however, and for more information, contact the chamber office at 776-5846. Entertainment will follow the meal.

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