The largest annual agricultural exposition in the Carolinas and Virginia returns to Raleigh next week as the Southern Farm Show opens its doors at the NC State Fairgrounds from February 4-6, 2026. With over 400 exhibitors showcasing everything from compact utility tractors to advanced precision agriculture systems, the three-day event offers farmers, ranchers, and land managers a comprehensive look at the equipment and technology shaping modern agriculture.

Now in its long-running tradition of connecting southeastern producers with industry-leading suppliers, the Southern Farm Show serves as the region’s unofficial kickoff to the growing season—a chance for operations of all sizes to evaluate new iron, compare technologies, and plan capital investments before spring fieldwork begins.

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What to Expect on the Show Floor

The NC State Fairgrounds provides ample space for the Southern Farm Show’s expansive equipment displays. Attendees can expect to find full-size tractors, implements, utility vehicles, and attachments spread across multiple buildings and outdoor exhibit areas. The show’s indoor-outdoor format allows exhibitors to demonstrate equipment capabilities that wouldn’t be possible in a convention center setting.

The 2026 exhibitor lineup reads like a who’s who of agricultural equipment manufacturing. Major brands with confirmed presence include:

Compact and Utility Equipment:

  • Kubota Tractor Corporation
  • KIOTI Tractor
  • Bobcat (distributed by Bobcat Redmax Worldlawn)
  • Can-Am utility vehicles

Implements and Attachments:

  • Bush Hog rotary cutters and implements
  • Kuhn North America hay and forage equipment
  • Great Plains tillage and seeding
  • Krone hay and forage equipment
  • BEFCO implements

Mowing and Grounds Maintenance:

  • Bad Boy Mowers
  • Country Clipper
  • Grasshopper Company
  • Ferris commercial mowers
  • Exmark (distributed by Power Equipment Distributors)
  • Husqvarna

Construction and Earthmoving:

  • Asheboro JCB (full JCB line)
  • Case IH
  • Curtis Lane Equipment (Bobcat dealer)

Forestry and Land Clearing:

  • Blade Equipment, Inc. (Morbark wood chippers, Rayco stump cutters)
  • Bailey’s Inc. (logging and forestry equipment)
  • Fecon LLC mulching equipment
  • Loftness Specialized Equipment

Precision Agriculture Takes Center Stage

The show floor increasingly reflects agriculture’s digital transformation. Precision ag technology providers will be out in force, demonstrating guidance systems, variable-rate application equipment, and data management platforms.

Ag Leader Technology, a recognized name in precision farming, will be exhibiting their full lineup of displays, guidance systems, and data management solutions. For operations looking to adopt or upgrade precision agriculture capabilities, the show provides an opportunity to see multiple platforms side-by-side and discuss integration with existing equipment.

Drone technology continues its rapid expansion into agricultural applications. Multiple exhibitors specialize in agricultural drone services and sales:

  • Accurate Ag Drones — Positioned as the Mid-Atlantic’s premier drone dealer
  • Carolina Agri Drones LLC — Offering agricultural spraying and mapping drones, training, parts, and service

These companies represent the growing ecosystem around agricultural aviation, from scouting and mapping to variable-rate application. For producers considering drone adoption, the show offers a chance to discuss regulatory requirements, training programs, and ROI expectations with experienced operators.

Forestry and Land Management Equipment

For landowners and timber operations, the Southern Farm Show offers one of the region’s best opportunities to evaluate forestry equipment. The southeastern United States contains some of the nation’s most productive timberland, and the show’s exhibitor mix reflects that reality.

Blade Equipment, Inc. brings expertise in wood processing and land clearing, representing major brands including Morbark wood chippers and Rayco stump cutters. These machines address the full spectrum of vegetation management needs, from residential lot clearing to commercial timber operations.

Bailey’s Inc., a well-established name in logging and forestry supplies, will showcase their comprehensive product line. From chainsaw equipment to logging accessories, Bailey’s serves the working needs of timber professionals and landowners managing woodland properties.

Fecon LLC, with over 30 years building a reputation for quality mulching and land clearing equipment, will display their vegetation management solutions. For contractors and landowners dealing with right-of-way maintenance, site preparation, or invasive species management, Fecon’s equipment represents serious capability.

Loftness Specialized Equipment rounds out the forestry offerings with their VMLogix vegetation management equipment, providing additional options for land clearing and mulching applications.

Agricultural Meetings and Educational Programming

Beyond the equipment displays, the Southern Farm Show hosts agricultural meetings, workshops, and training sessions throughout the three-day event. These educational components add significant value for attendees, providing insights on production practices, regulatory updates, and business management alongside the equipment evaluation opportunities.

The show traditionally attracts commodity organizations, university extension personnel, and industry experts who share knowledge relevant to southeastern agriculture. Check the official show program upon arrival for the complete schedule of educational sessions and meeting times.

Supporting Cast: Services, Supplies, and Infrastructure

While big iron draws the crowds, the Southern Farm Show’s exhibitor diversity extends well beyond major equipment. Attendees will find:

Crop Inputs and Services:

  • Seed companies including Augusta Seed, Cross Creek Seed, Clifton Seed Co., and others
  • Crop insurance providers including Farm Bureau Crop Insurance and Great American Insurance Group
  • Fertilizer and chemical suppliers including AgroLiquid, Coastal AgroBusiness, and Drexel Chemical Company

Financing and Land Services:

  • Farm Credit Associations of NC
  • First Financial Bank (nationwide farm and ranch lending)
  • Multiple real estate firms specializing in agricultural properties

Buildings and Infrastructure:

  • Carport Central metal buildings
  • Five Star Metal Buildings
  • Legacy Steel Buildings
  • Highland Tank storage solutions

Trailers and Transport:

  • Kaufman Trailers
  • Kraftsman Trailers
  • Hale Trailer Brake & Wheel
  • Double C Trailers

This supporting infrastructure matters for agricultural operations planning expansion or facility upgrades. The show provides one-stop comparison shopping for the full range of farm needs.

Regional Dealers and Service Networks

One advantage of regional shows like the Southern Farm Show is the presence of local dealer networks. National brands gain value from local service and support, and the show allows producers to connect with nearby dealers who will maintain equipment relationships long after the show closes.

North Carolina-based dealers with significant presence include:

  • Asheboro JCB — JCB dealer serving central North Carolina
  • James River Equipment — Full-service equipment dealer
  • Carolina HarvesTrax — CLAAS, New Holland, MacDon, and Geringhoff dealer
  • Curtis Lane Equipment — Bobcat dealer serving agriculture, landscape, and construction markets

Building relationships with these regional dealers can prove valuable when equipment needs service, parts, or warranty support down the road.

Planning Your Visit

Dates: February 4-6, 2026 (Wednesday through Friday)

Location: NC State Fairgrounds, Raleigh, North Carolina

Website: southernshows.com/sfs

The NC State Fairgrounds offers ample parking and straightforward access from Interstate 40 and Interstate 440. Plan for a full day if you want to thoroughly evaluate equipment options—the show’s scale makes quick visits challenging if you have specific purchasing decisions to make.

Wear comfortable walking shoes. The combination of indoor exhibit halls and outdoor display areas means significant ground to cover. February weather in Raleigh can vary considerably, so dress in layers and be prepared for the outdoor exhibits.

For serious equipment shoppers, bringing decision-makers and operators together makes sense. Having the people who will actually use the equipment evaluate ergonomics, controls, and features often surfaces considerations that don’t appear on spec sheets.

The Bottom Line

The Southern Farm Show remains the region’s most comprehensive agricultural equipment showcase. With 400+ exhibitors representing everything from precision agriculture technology to heavy forestry equipment, the three-day event offers southeastern producers unmatched access to the tools and technologies driving modern agriculture.

Whether you’re evaluating a major equipment purchase, exploring precision ag upgrades, or simply staying current with industry developments, the show delivers value. The combination of equipment displays, dealer relationships, and educational programming makes the trip to Raleigh worthwhile for operations across the Carolinas, Virginia, and beyond.

Mark your calendar for February 4-6, and we’ll see you at the fairgrounds.