Free, family-friendly Wisconsin farm show with 130+ vendors, indoor equipment displays and a typical 7,000-10,000 draw, 2-3 March 2027 at Chippewa Valley Expo Center.
Dates
2–3 Mar 2027
City / country
Eau Claire, United States
Venue
Chippewa Valley Expo Center
Time
9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Are you the organiser of this event?
Event overview
The Eau Claire Farm Show returns for its 63rd year on 2-3 March 2027 at the Chippewa Valley Expo Center in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. This free, family-friendly farm show brings dairy producers, livestock operators, grain growers and rural landowners together with more than 130 vendors showing seed, feed, tractors, hay equipment, barn systems, drones and farm services.
It is the second-oldest running farm show in Wisconsin and typically draws 7,000-10,000 people over two days from Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa. Visitors can compare equipment indoors, talk directly with dealers and manufacturers, and bid in the FFA alumni silent auction.
TL;DR
Compare tractors, hay tools, seed, feed and barn equipment under one roof before spring planting, talk directly with dealers, and catch show-only pricing without paying for admission or parking.
The show puts your equipment or service in front of 7,000-10,000 tri-state farmers over two days, with a low-cost booth, drive-in access and an audience actively planning spring purchases.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Location & Facilities
5150 Old Mill Plaza, Eau Claire, WI 54703, United States
Entrances & gates
Main entrance
Off the main parking apron.
Free parking both days, per show coverage. Use the paved lot at 5150 Old Mill Plaza.
Food options
On-site concession
On-site diningParking: Free on-site parking is included with admission; enter from Old Mill Plaza and follow the lot signs around the expo center.
Gate: Main public entrance faces the parking lot; doors open at 9:00 AM each show day.
Attend
Event days & opening times
General admission
Free admission on both days; no ticket price is printed.
Ticket info
Badge collection
No advance badge is required; walk in at the main entrance on either show day.
Ticket notes
Free admission and free parking for both days. The official 2027 schedule lists 9:00 AM-6:00 PM on 2 March and 9:00 AM-3:30 PM on 3 March; local coverage of the 2026 edition described 9:00 AM-3:30 PM on both days.
What's on
How the last edition performed
Last edition
2026
Exhibitors: 130
Edition #: 62
This edition
2027
Visitors: 8,500
Exhibitors: 130
Next edition
2028
The next edition is listed for 7-8 March 2028 in Eau Claire, returning to the same early-March Tuesday-Wednesday slot.
New this edition
Impact
A free two-day show that concentrates tri-state farmers in one indoor hall at the point they plan spring purchases. For buyers it is a low-cost way to compare equipment and inputs; for sellers it is a short, high-intent selling window rather than a broad consumer outing.
Audience quality
The audience is working farmers and ranchers, not the general public: dairy, livestock and grain operators who own or manage land and equipment. The 2026 preview reported over 130 vendors and a typical 7,000-10,000 draw, which points to steady regional traffic rather than a national buyer base.
Exhibitor outcomes
Returns depend on lead quality and follow-up rather than booth volume. Dealers with finance and trade-in options, and suppliers who can quote on the floor, are best placed to convert; a 9 sqm booth and two staffing days keep the cost base low.
Intelligence
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Why it matters
Wisconsin is a dairy and livestock state, and Eau Claire sits in the middle of the tri-state farm belt. A free indoor show in early March lets producers compare seed, feed, equipment and barn systems before spring work begins, while dealers meet a concentrated rural audience from Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa.
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Labor-saving barn automation
Dairy and livestock producers are adopting automatic feeding, robotic milking and ventilation controls to cope with persistent labour shortages.
What it changes: Exhibitors that can show measurable labour savings fit the show audience best.
Precision and data-led farming
Drones, yield mapping, variable-rate seeding and telematics are moving from early adopters into mainstream Upper Midwest operations.
What it changes: Service and technology vendors can use the show to demonstrate practical, field-proven uses.
Consolidation and cautious capital spending
Larger farms are absorbing smaller operations, and tight dairy margins make producers prioritise repairs, efficiency and proven equipment over speculative purchases.
What it changes: Dealers should lead with financing, trade-in value and total cost of ownership.
Eau Claire anchors the early-March farm-show season; larger regional equipment and dairy events follow through summer and autumn.
Wisconsin Farm Technology Days
TBD, United States
2027 host county and exact dates were not fetched; circuit estimate.
websiteMinnesota Farmfest
Redwood Falls, United States
Dates are a circuit-level estimate; reconfirm with the organiser.
websiteWorld Dairy Expo
Madison, United States
Dates follow the show's usual early-October Tuesday-Saturday slot; circuit estimate.
websiteEarly March
Indoor show before spring fieldwork.
Summer
Outdoor field demonstrations.
Circuit dates are planning estimates from the shows' usual calendar, not fetched 2027 announcements.
Plan your trip
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Chippewa Valley Regional Airport
Closest airport; limited commercial service, mainly via Chicago or Minneapolis.
about 8 miles
to venue
15-20 minutes
by car
Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport
Largest practical gateway; rent a car or take a regional coach.
about 95 miles
to venue
1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours
by car
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
USD 85–125 / night
Simple motels within 10-15 minutes of the expo center; free parking.
USD 125–180 / night
Breakfast included and easy drive to Old Mill Plaza.
USD 175–250 / night
Full-service or family resort options 15-20 minutes from the venue.
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Taxi or rideshare
Short trip; schedule a return pickup because the venue is outside the main taxi zone.
City bus
Limited evening service; check the weekday timetable before relying on it.
Plan your trip
Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.
| Type | Who needs it | Fee | Processing | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B-1 business visitor | Visitors who are not eligible for the Visa Waiver Program | $185.00 | Several weeks to several months | |
| ESTA under the Visa Waiver Program | Eligible passport holders from VWP countries | $40.00 | Usually minutes to 72 hours |
US citizens and lawful permanent residents need no visa. Canadian citizens generally need no visa for business visits.
The United States accepts ATA carnets for qualifying goods; confirm the carnet is stamped on entry and list exhibit items accurately.
Official visa pageWeather
Early March is late winter in Eau Claire: highs around 1-5 C and lows around -8 to -3 C, with snow, sleet or icy roads possible.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Mobile coverage is strong in Eau Claire; the expo hall has basic power but exhibitors should bring their own hotspot and extension leads.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Farm-show pace
Conversations are practical and brief; farmers often visit on the first morning, so staff the booth early and keep a quote sheet ready.
Local etiquette
A handshake and first name are standard. Dress in warm layers and boots, and expect small talk about the weather and the coming planting season.
Practical guides
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Destination: EAU (Chippewa Valley Regional) or MSP (Minneapolis-Saint Paul)
Book MSP flights and a rental car early; EAU service is limited and fares rise close to the show.
Book flightsGet to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: From EAU, a taxi or rideshare takes 15-20 minutes; from MSP, drive about 95 miles on I-94 east.
Hotel → venue: Most Eau Claire hotels are 10-20 minutes by car; allow extra time for snow.
Ride-hail: Uber and Lyft serve Eau Claire, but availability is thinner than in a major city.
Public transit: Eau Claire Transit runs weekday routes; service is limited and not ideal for show opening times.
Parking: Free on-site parking at the expo center, with overflow in the adjacent lot.
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: March
Temperature: -8 to 5 C
Seasonality: Late-winter snow and ice are common; spring thaw can leave wet roads.
Packing: Warm coat, waterproof boots, gloves and a scarf; the hall is heated but the walk from the lot is exposed.
Plan your trip
Best day to visit: 2027-03-02
The first morning has the fullest vendor presence and the best chance of show-only pricing before stock and staff attention thin on day two.
Book hotel and confirm the free-parking plan — Eau Claire fills for show week; pick a refundable rate.
List the equipment and suppliers you want to compare — Bring model numbers and acreage or herd size.
Check the weather and winter-driving forecast — Allow extra time on I-94 and US-53.
Print or save the show hours and venue address — Confirm the Tuesday closing time before travelling.
Charge phone and pack boots, gloves and a notebook — The walk from the lot is exposed.
Registration and show-floor opening
Main entrance, Chippewa Valley Expo CenterEquipment and tractor walk-through
Expo Hall aislesLunch and supplier meetings
On-site concession areaSeed, feed and barn-system comparisons
Expo HallChippewa River State Trail
Outdoor
About 15 minutes from downtown
A flat riverside trail for a walk or run after show hours.
Leinenkugel's Brewery
Food and Drink
About 20 minutes to Chippewa Falls
Historic Wisconsin brewery tours and a tasting room.
Expo Hall aisles
Show floor
The main place to meet dealers and farmers between 9:00 and noon.
On-site concession area
Food
Casual seating for lunch meetings and introductions.
Two show days generate a short, concentrated lead window; speed matters more than volume.
Budget
Shell scheme
USD 95–160 / m²
Raw space
USD 65–110 / m²
Standard booth
9 m²
No 2027 stand tariff was published; bands are local estimates for a regional indoor farm show and exclude power, rigging and machinery handling.
sourceAdjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Decision
Answer six quick questions to see whether to visit, exhibit or skip.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
Which best describes you?
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
You are planning spring equipment or input purchases and want to compare suppliers in one day.
Best for
Dairy, crop and livestock farmers within a half-day drive
Min. budget
$250.00
Timeline
Same week
Risks
Winter driving
Limited formal sessions
exhibit
You sell to tri-state farmers and can quote or demonstrate on the floor.
Best for
Equipment dealers, seed and feed suppliers, barn-system vendors
Min. budget
$2,500.00
Timeline
8-12 weeks
Risks
Weather affecting attendance
Thin staffing
skip
You have no equipment, input or service need and no plans to sell to Upper Midwest farms.
Best for
Consumers with no farm connection or suppliers with no US Midwest channel
Timeline
None
Risks
Missing a low-cost regional networking day
Book with
Chippewa Valley Expo Center
The indoor exhibition hall that hosts the show at 5150 Old Mill Plaza.
Venue name and address printed by an attending exhibitor; not named as a commercial partner.
Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce
Regional business chamber supporting Eau Claire employers and events.
Public body; not named as an official show partner.
Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection
State agriculture department covering farm regulation, marketing and rural programmes.
Public agency; no partnership was printed on the fetched pages.
University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension
Extension service providing agronomy, dairy and farm-management advice across Wisconsin.
Public education body; not named as a show sponsor.
Recommended providers
Official visa and ESTA guidance.
Local visitor bureau listing hotels and rates.
Fly to MSP and drive; EAU has limited service.
Freight carrier for machinery and booth materials; no official show handler named.
US Travel Insurance Association
Industry association for travel insurance; compare policies.
Local trails, breweries and riverfront ideas.
Optional lead-capture and event app; no official scanner was announced.
FAQs & glossary
Frequently asked
Glossary
Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
5 more alternate names hidden
Trust footer
4
References
4
Publishers
4
Date checked
North Country Enterprises
Agromatic
Central Wisconsin Broadcasting
ShowsEye
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.
