Decatur, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – The biggest showcase in agriculture is about to happen once again — and this time, once again, in Decatur.

The Farm Progress Show is about to take over a site northeast of Decatur, alternating with Boone, Iowa.

So, why does an annual show such as this need two alternating sites?

“We went to the ‘permanent site’ strategy 20 years ago,” said Matt Jungmann, show director, on the WTAX Morning Newswatch.  “We decided it was more efficient if we invested the millions of dollars into two sites, and use them every other year, as opposed to having three sites spread across the Midwest.  We want to be sure that we’re able to serve the core of the Cornbelt with a show somewhere within a three hour drive of most of the corn acres in the Midwest.”

The show would also travel to Indiana until the time of the permanent sites.

It will feature the latest in farm technology, from combines to computers, but it will also have demonstrations using farm fields next to the show’s location northeast of Decatur.  And this year, Jungmann says, the fields look pretty good.

“That corn is in fantastic shape, coming out just over 20 percent moisture,” said Jungmann.  “It’s going to make for some really, really good field demonstrations this year.”

In addition to everything farming, there will also be some good people watching.

“You’ll get country music.  You’ll get NASCAR drivers.  You’ll get all the politicians,” said Jungmann.  “Over the course of the last 20 years, the international attendance has gone up.  People can make plans years and years in advance to make international tours.”

It’s also a revenue stream for Decatur and even Springfield, as officials here say as hotel rooms fill up in Decatur, there are even rooms booked in Springfield for those making the short drive down Interstate 72 to Decatur.

WTAX Farm Director Jeff Nalley will be there as well, providing a number of reports throughout the week from Progress City.