The 2012 National Farm Machinery Show was one of the most successful ever, with significant increases over the previous year in attendance and revenue. Despite a continually-challenging agriculture and economic climate, the 47th National Farm Machinery Show welcomed 305,512 visitors through the gates in four days, the third highest total in event history, shattering last year’s number of 302,424.

“We continue to strive to make each farm show better than the previous year and with our final numbers and positive feedback from the industry, we have definitely accomplished that,” President and CEO of the Kentucky State Fair Board Harold Workman said. “Farmers, agricultural professionals and students took advantage of the many opportunities to learn about the best current and future farming products, if for no other reason than to get an indication of the next trend in the agriculture retail equipment market.”

Early indications show revenue also increased. Sponsorship revenue increased 10.5 percent over last year, the largest increase since 2009 and exhibit space revenue nearly reached $4 million for the first time in the event’s 47 year history.

“The show’s success can be attributed to many things including the unseasonably warm weather and the interest of the younger generations. Seeing them out here in the thousands asking questions and taking an interest in the exhibits proves the worth of the show for years to come,” said Workman.

More than 850 exhibitors from across the world filled the 1.2 million square feet of exhibit space at the Kentucky Exposition Center during the National Farm Machinery Show, Feb. 15-18, 2012. The show combines both educational seminars about existing and anticipated market trends with thousands of agriculture products and services on display that exemplify the prominence of the industry. Nearly all of the show’s exhibit space was sold out one year in advance and a lengthy waiting list had been established by the start of the show. The event generates a $21.5 million annual economic impact across the community and the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

In conjunction with the National Farm Machinery Show, the 44th Championship Tractor Pull continued to draw a cheering fan base to the nation’s oldest indoor tractor pull with increases in attendance and sales over 2011. An increase in ticket sales, the second highest total in four years, furthered tractor pull revenue. In addition, a milestone was reached as longtime driver Esdon Lehn of Dayton, Minn. became the first-ever seven-time Grand Champion.

The 2013 National Farm Machinery Show is set for Feb. 13-16 in Louisville.