Clark County Looking Forward to Farm Tech Days

In just over a month, hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of agriculturists and consumers will make their way to Roehl Acres to take in this year's Wisconsin Farm Technology Days in Clark County. During the event's special media day on Tuesday, the host family opened their doors for reporters to take an early peak at the site of the 68th annual farm show, which will be held July 12-14 near Loyal.

The operation is owned by Dennis and Suzie Roehl. The farm is a third-generation 500-cow dairy that recently installed four DeLaval robotic milkers. They also raise crops on over 750 acres of farmland.

Dennis Roehl said he's excited to showcase his operation during the event, and is especially pleased that field demonstrations will be back again this year.

"We feel that it's important for farmers to see the equipment in action, working right in the field in real time," he noted. "We're also going to hold farm tours so the public can see the robots in person. And for visitors who are not familiar with farm life, they will have the opportunity to feed a calf."

Rustic Occasions, a nearby event barn owned by Dennis' cousin, Doug and Kim Roehl, will serve as co-hosts for many of the week's festivities. Activities in their venue will include live music, rope soap making workshops and cooking demonstrations.

Clark County FTD Chairman Chuck Rueth said the event will stay true to its theme of 'Where Tradition and Technology Meet.'

"We not only have a modern dairy facility that's utilizing state-of-the-art technology in the dairy barn, but we also have a lot of Amish and Mennonite residents nearby," Rueth said. "Visitors to our area will have a chance to experience both 'then and now' and will find their trip to Clark County as a memorable experience."

Meanwhile, the public is also invited to the first-ever live concert near the site of the show. That's because country music legends Joe Nichols and Sawyer Brown will be performing on Wednesday, July 13, for an event called 'Farm Tech Fest.' Madison County, a country group from Dane County, will also perform that evening.

As always, Farm Tech Days will hold daily entertainment and educational sessions in the Family Living Tent, free skin care screenings, and an equine area featuring young horse enthusiasts from the surrounding area.