History begins in 1954

wifarmtechdays.org

Wisconsin Farm Technology Days was initially designed to take university research findings to Wisconsin citizens on a functioning farm during an outdoor show. The mission of the show was to promote technologies in agriculture and related industries, and provide leadership development and education through businesses, industry and agencies.

The concept for the outdoor farm show was first envisioned in 1952 by Henry Ahlgren when he was chair of Farm and Home Week, an event for farmers to learn about findings by university researchers. The event had long been held at the University of Wisconsin campus in Madison. Ahlgren envisioned a larger event, where both exhibitors and farmers could participate and learn about the latest agricultural advances. But Ahlgren indicated the rapid growth of the university was proving to be problematic, especially with regard to parking.

Ahlgren said, “It became almost impossible to get farm people to drive into Madison when there wasn’t any place to park.”

In 1952 several agencies, including cooperative Extension, formed a corporation called Wisconsin Farm Progress Days. An early goal for the show was to be located on an active farm and move it around the state. Volunteers in the host county were to provide the workforce to plan and conduct the show. The Articles of Incorporation were approved June 21, 1954. The purpose of the corporation was to promote agriculture and permanent agriculture for Wisconsin by conducting in communities of the state, farm progress days, etc.