What Wisconsin Farm Technology Days Is
Wisconsin Farm Technology Days is the state's largest outdoor agricultural show. The first show was held in 1954 in Waupaca County, and it has grown into one of the largest outdoor farm events in the country. The idea is to show visitors of all ages the latest agricultural innovations through field demonstrations and conversations with exhibitors, connect them with services, introduce careers in agriculture and honor Wisconsin's farm families. The 2026 show was the 72nd. It is run by a nonprofit focused on agricultural education, and an estimated 30,000 to 40,000 farmers and agriculture leaders attend each year.
The 2026 Show
The 2026 show ran July 14 to 16 at Redetzke's No Joke Dairy near Stratford in Marathon County, under the theme "We're Serious." The host farm is a family dairy operating since 1911 that milks about 400 head, still uses its original tie-stall barn and plans a new facility with six robotic milkers. The show took over more than 180 acres.
What You See and Do
- Exhibitors: more than 350 companies and organizations.
- Field demonstrations: live tillage and hay harvest, plus hands-on demos of automation, robotics and precision agriculture.
- Tent City: displays, education and demonstrations under tents.
- Livestock and horses: a beef tent with cattle on display and livestock husbandry demonstrations, plus an expanded equine area with ride-and-drive experiences and the MP-Horses Trainers Challenge, where trainers spend more than 135 days preparing horses and then compete live.
- Education: sessions with the state Department of Agriculture, collegiate partners, the USDA and the Department of Natural Resources on emerging trends and key issues.
- Youth area: youth engagement activities, local food, entertainment and places to network.
New in 2026: the FRESH area
FRESH (Farm Rescue Education, Safety, and Health) was a new interactive area at First and Central. It included a Safe Play Area for children with a playground, sandbox and games, and story time on Tuesday; a Tot Zone with a private nursing area and diaper-changing stations; a health and safety education area where youth could earn prizes with a Youth Agriculture Adventure Passport; and live demonstrations of tractor rollover prevention and rescue, grain bin rescue and Stop the Bleed training. Confined space and manure pit rescue was shown Wednesday only.
Hours, Admission and Parking
- Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, July 14, 15 and 16, 2026.
- Admission: $15 per adult at the gate; children 12 and under were admitted free.
- Parking: free for attendees.
Where
216601 Wescott Ave., Stratford, WI 54484, at Redetzke's No Joke Dairy in Marathon County. Tickets were also handled online through the show's ticketing page.
Questions
Is it only for farmers?
No. Visitors of all ages are welcome, and the show includes children's play areas, youth activities, local food and entertainment alongside the equipment and technology exhibits.
Does the show stay in one place?
No. It moves to a new host farm; the first show was in Waupaca County in 1954 and the 2026 show was in Marathon County.
Can I volunteer?
The show relies on more than 300 volunteers and a host committee of about 25 people. A call for volunteers was published for 2026.
When is the next show?
The most recent edition was July 14 to 16, 2026.
Official Links
- Wisconsin Farm Technology Days ticketing
- Governor's proclamation: history and purpose
- Tradition meets advancement for state's farmers
- FRESH safety area
- Equine lineup
- Hours, admission and parking
- The 2026 host farm
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation Annual Meeting and YFA Conference
The Wisconsin Farm Bureau annual meeting, where county delegates vote on policy, combined with the Young Farmer and Agriculturist Conference. Next edition December 4-7, 2026 at Kalahari in Wisconsin Dells.
- Wisconsin Farmers Union Annual State Convention
The Wisconsin Farmers Union state convention, with policy sessions and a Friday evening Farmers Union Camp fundraiser. Next edition December 11-13, 2026 in Appleton; the 95th convention was held December 12-14, 2025.
- Northern Wisconsin State Fair Meat Animal Program Beef Weigh-In
Initial beef weigh-in for youth in the fair's Meat Animal Program, held in Eau Claire.
Eau Claire, WI | Organizer: Northern Wisconsin State Fair Association Official event details - Wisconsin Corn-Soy Expo
Two-day winter trade show for corn, soybean and pork producers with over 150 booths and an education program. Next edition January 21-22, 2027 in Wisconsin Dells; the 2026 show ran January 29-30.
- Midwest Horse Fair
Three-day horse fair held since 1979 at the Alliant Energy Center, owned by the Wisconsin Horse Council with proceeds supporting the state equine industry. The next edition is April 16-18, 2027.
1919 Alliant Energy Center Way, Madison, WI 53713 | 920-623-5515 | Organizer: Wisconsin Horse Council Official event details
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.