Special Report

Final day of Farm Progress Show rained out

Rain and lightning have forced a closure of the final day of the Farm Progress Show.

“Safety is paramount to us,” said Don Tourte, vice president of The Farm Progress Show, confirming the closure.  “We received word that lightning was within 15 miles of the show site and decided that keeping the show open is not worth anyone getting hurt.”

The show grounds were muddy but firmed quickly after rain gave way to sun on Tuesday’s opening day.  A break in the weather made for a dry and pleasant second day on Wednesday.

Farm Progress Show rainouts are rare.  In the last few decades, only one edition of the show, which was to be held at an Iowa location, was completely called off because of rain.  Most recently, the final two days of the 2003 Farm Progress Show at Danville, Illinois were canceled because of a soaking downpour that began the night after a near perfect opening day.