Advice
If you’re looking for a true “one-stop shop” to kick off your year in agriculture, the 2026 Fort Wayne Farm Show is worth circling on the calendar. This event is widely considered Indiana’s largest indoor agricultural expo, bringing together equipment, services, and practical education for farmers, agribusiness owners, and rural families.
Here is a helpful guide to what you can expect, including show hours, seminar highlights, and exhibitor categories, so you can plan your visit and get the most out of your time at the Coliseum.
Quick Details: When & Where
Event: 2026 Fort Wayne Farm Show (37th year)
Location: Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, 4000 Parnell Ave, Fort Wayne, IN 46805
Dates & Hours:
- Tuesday, Jan. 13: 9 AM – 5 PM
- Wednesday, Jan. 14: 9 AM – 8 PM
- Thursday, Jan. 15: 9 AM – 4 PM
Admission: Free / open to the public
Why People Go (Even If They’ve Been 10+ Times)
The Fort Wayne Farm Show isn’t just about walking past tractors, although you can do plenty of that. What makes it valuable is the mix of:
- Hands-on exhibits (equipment, parts, technology, services)
- Educational seminars led by Purdue Extension and partners
- Networking with other producers and ag professionals
- Practical takeaways you can bring back to the farm immediately (Tradexpos)
You’ll find a strong blend of row crop, livestock, grain handling, farmstead improvements, and business support all under one roof.
Educational Seminars: What’s on the 2026 Agenda
If you like leaving a farm show with more than brochures, the seminar schedule is one of the biggest reasons to attend. Seminar topics range from markets to safety to livestock health.
Here are the top highlights by day:
Tuesday, January 13
10 AM – Market and Weather Outlooks
Featuring market presenters Rob Winters, David Kohli, John Cavanaugh, plus weather from Ryan Martin.
12 PM – Barnyard Mirror: How Animals Reflect Our Own Health
Presented by Elysia Rodgers, Purdue Extension Educator.
2 PM – Pesticide Applicator & Anhydrous Ammonia Safety
With the Office of the Indiana State Chemist and Purdue Extension educators; this session is applied for Indiana PARP and CCH credits.
Wednesday, January 14
10 AM – Purdue Market Outlook
With Michael Langemeier, Director, Center for Commercial Agriculture (Purdue University).
11:30 AM – Farm Bureau Luncheon: “Waters of the U.S.”
A sponsored lunch program with Brianna Schroeder, attorney with Janzen Schroeder Agricultural Law LLC.
Lunch is limited seating and first come–first served.
2 PM – Biosecurity Essentials for Livestock Owners
Presented by Dr. Jennifer Strasser (BOAH).
5:30 PM – “Code Red”: A Practical Tool for Your Family & Farm Contingency Plan
Led by the Purdue EDGE in Ag Team, focused on farm contingency planning.
Thursday, January 15
10 AM – Pesticide Exam Training (Core Training Manual PPP-C)
This session prepares applicators for the CORE pesticide applicator test (tests are not given at the training). Manuals are available through Purdue Extension. You can purchase them at the show or at https://edustore.purdue.edu/ppp-c.html
Exhibitors: What You’ll Find on the Trade Show Floor
The exhibitor list is extensive, and it’s not just “big iron.” Over 1,000 booths span nearly every part of farm operations and rural business support, from seed and fertilizer to drainage and grain systems to precision ag and livestock equipment.
Here are some of the major exhibitor categories you can expect:
1) Ag Equipment, Parts & Farm Shop Tools
You’ll see everything from specialized attachments and repair parts to industrial tools and shop solutions.
2) Precision Ag, Drones & Technology
Several exhibitors focus on guidance, mapping, and precision tools, including drone services and hardware.
3) Grain Handling, Drying & Storage
A strong set of vendors cover bins, conveyors, handling equipment, monitoring systems, and more.
4) Livestock Equipment & Farm Health
Expect everything from livestock systems and equipment to biosecurity education and animal health support.
5) Drainage, Water Management & Conservation
Drainage, soil/water conservation, and water-related equipment/services are a major theme, especially with seminar topics like Waters of the U.S.
6) Farm Business Services (Financing, Insurance, Planning)
The exhibitor list includes banking, lending, leasing, crop insurance, succession planning and more.
You can download the full exhibitor list here.
Job Fair and Career Opportunities
Participating employers represent many corners of the ag economy, including equipment dealers, ag services, manufacturing, logistics, and technology. Some are looking for experienced professionals, while others are open to students, recent graduates, and people interested in building a career in agriculture.
If you’re job hunting, or simply curious about what opportunities are out there, watch for “We’re Hiring” signs at exhibitor booths and be ready to start a conversation. Here is a list of companies that are hiring to help you plan which booths to visit ahead of time.
Tips to Make the Most of Your Day
1) Go with a short list of goals.
Do you want to compare equipment, learn about market outlooks, explore drainage solutions, or improve livestock biosecurity? Pick 2–3 priorities, then explore the rest.
2) Build your day around seminars.
If you’re attending for education, plan around the 10 AM / 12 PM / 2 PM blocks and the Wednesday evening contingency planning session at 5:30 PM.
3) Ask vendors “what’s new this year?”
Shows like this are where exhibitors bring new models, tools, and services—so you can get beyond the brochure and into practical details.
4) Bring good walking shoes (and maybe a tote).
Between brochures, product samples, and info sheets, you’ll leave with a stack.
A Familiar Face at the Show: 1st Source Bank
You’ll also find 1st Source Bank on the trade show floor. For us, events like the Fort Wayne Farm Show aren’t about selling, they’re about showing up.
Agriculture has always been part of our story. We work with farmers, agribusiness owners, and rural families every day, so being here feels natural. If you stop by our booth you can expect an honest conversation, about how the year is shaping up, what you’re seeing in your operation, or what questions are on your mind.
Whether it’s equipment purchases, operating lines, succession planning, or long-term goals, our team is happy to talk when the timing is right. No pressure. Just people who understand farming, listening and sharing ideas alongside the rest of the ag community.
📍 1st Source Bank – Booth #272
Final Thoughts
The Fort Wayne Farm Show is a strong way to start the year ,especially if you want a blend of real-world education, a huge variety of exhibitors, and a place to connect with both new and familiar faces across agriculture. With free admission, extended hours on Wednesday, and a seminar lineup focused on timely topics like markets, safety, biosecurity, and contingency planning, it’s a worthwhile event for producers across Indiana, Michigan, and beyond.