For 55 years, the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce has been sponsoring one of the best farm shows in the upper Midwest. The Sioux Empire Farm Show keeps getting bigger and better with six breeds competing for Supreme Row. Exhibitors from 15 states participate in all facets of the farm show. The 2008 Sioux Empire Farm Show is scheduled for Jan. 22-26.

Each year in January, area agricultural producers and the members of the Sioux Falls area business community gather to participate in a variety of events that highlight the importance of agriculture in the region. As a $17 billion industry in South Dakota, agriculture definitely impacts the Sioux Falls area economy. More than 30,000 people attend the Farm Show.

Average spending each day is $155, with an estimated economic impact of $4.6 million for the Sioux Falls economy. The Sioux Empire Farm Show is one of several ag-related events hosted in Sioux Falls each year. It is hailed as one of the largest feeder steer shows in the nation.

Since 1998, the Chamber has partnered with Midwest Shows, Inc., for the commercial exhibitor farm show events. Headquartered in Austin, Minn., Midwest Shows sells commercial exhibit space for the show. The commercial exhibit portion of the two shows is called the "Sioux Falls Farm Show," with both shows being featured as "Sioux Falls' Salute to Agriculture." The Sioux Falls Farm Show exhibits are a three-day show. In 2008, the SFFS will be Jan. 23-25 at the Sioux Falls Arena, Sioux Falls Convention Center, and the north end of the Expo Building at the W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds.

In addition to the numerous purebred and market shows that take place during the week, the Chamber also sponsors several special events:

Supreme Row
2008 marks the11th year of the $12,000 Supreme Row competition. Wells Fargo Bank South Dakota, N.A., Campbell Supply Co. and the Tri-State Neighbor sponsor the Supreme Row and fund the $12,000 purse. In 2008, six breeds of purebred cattle will compete for this award. The purse is split between the buyer and the consignor of the animal that places at the top in this highly competitive best of all breeds competition.

Mayor's Round-Up and Sale of Champions
Since 1998, Sioux Falls' very own Mayor has lent his name and support to the Sale of Champions. For several decades now, the Sioux Falls business community has supported area producers by bidding on the best livestock from the Farm Show and paying a premium to the producers. The top market steers, market swine and market lambs are featured in this fun event.

The success of the Farm Show is directly related to the efforts of several area businesses, individuals and producers who devote their time and talents. As in past years, the 2008 Sioux Empire Farm Show will recognize the many ways agriculture has impacted the economy, local citizens and the entire community.

For more information about the Sioux Empire Farm Show, call Cindy Christensen, Agri-Business Division Manager of the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce, at (605) 373-2016 or e-mail Cindy Christensen.

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