The largest outdoor farm show in the country is rolling into Alleman, Iowa, Tuesday, just a few miles from Garst Seed Company’s corporate and research headquarters in Slater, Iowa. Although "America’s Premier Farm Show" has made its way to Iowa in the past, this is the first time since 1987 the three-day event will be held in central Iowa. That allows Garst Seed Company the opportunity to welcome thousands of Farm Progress Show visitors to the land it calls home.

"We are thrilled to have the Farm Progress Show return to central Iowa this year," said David Witherspoon, president of Garst Seed Company. " Having an agricultural event of this magnitude in such close proximity to our corporate and research headquarters is truly a unique opportunity for our company to showcase Iowa hospitality and our top-performing Garst products to the people coming out to the show."

Jeff Lacina, Garst’s public relations manager, likes the idea of taking home field. "Garst will be incorporating the ‘home team’ theme into its display at the Farm Progress Show," he said. "We’ll have our ‘starting lineup’ of experts on hand to field questions about the latest products and technologies the company will offer for 2003."

According to Lacina, Garst is anticipating increased attendance at this year’s event due to its close proximity to Des Moines. "Just 15 minutes north of Des Moines between U.S. Highway 69 and Interstate 35, the Farm Progress Show is sure to draw interest beyond those people directly involved in agriculture," Lacina said. "Even those Iowans living in a metropolitan area like Cedar Rapids, Ames or Des Moines are directly affected by agriculture. At the 2002 Farm Progress Show, visitors from all walks of life will get a firsthand look at the latest developments in machinery, seeds, pesticides, buildings, livestock feed and equipment as well as many other ag-related products and services," he added.

The 2002 Farm Progress Show is open to the public from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 24 through Thursday, Sept. 26. Adult admission is $5, children ages 13 to17 are admitted for $2, and kids 12 and under are admitted free. Parking is free.

For more information about the 2002 Farm Progress Show, visit www.farmprogress.com. For more information about Garst Seed Company, visit www.garstseed.com or call 800-831-6630.