With agriculture the number one industry in North Carolina, it’s not surprising that the annual Southern Farm Show, scheduled for Feb. 5 to 7 at the N.C. State Fairgrounds, is the largest trade show held in the state. What may be surprising, is that the show also is an important event for construction equipment manufacturers.

“Construction equipment in the show has evolved over a number of years,” said David Zimmerman, show manager. “At one point, the farm equipment manufacturers that also make construction equipment figured out that many show guests were in the construction business, so they started bringing construction equipment. The other manufacturers then caught on, and started exhibiting as well.”

Several factors bring the construction professionals to the show. One is that many farmers also do grading and excavating work on the side, and many contractors also do a little farming. Another is that there is some crossover on equipment that both professions use.

Zimmerman said there is yet another reason people come to the show.

“A large number of people in construction grew up on a farm, and many of them grew up coming to the show. It’s a tradition for them to come every year.”

Taking over the entire fairgrounds, the show has plenty of room for equipment. Construction manufacturers on display will include Caterpillar, New Holland, John Deere, Hyundai, JCB, Case, Takeuchi, Manitou, Yanmar, Toyota, Volvo, Gehl, Rammax and Kubota. There also will be a large selection of implements, hydraulic services, and other companies catering to the construction contractor.

For more information call (800) 849-0248 or visit www.SouthernFarmShow.com

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