As winter settles across the Mid-Atlantic, the conversation in agriculture shifts from harvest to planning. In a recent appearance on RFD-TV’s Market Day Report, Ben Hushon, Certified Crop Advisor with The Mill, shared an update on the mood he encountered during farm show season and why this time of year matters for growers preparing for spring.
Keystone Farm Show Draws Big Crowds and Positive Energy
Ben reported back from the Keystone Farm Show in York, Pennsylvania, where organizers estimated over 10,000 farmers attended over three days. According to Ben, it was a busy show and the timing made sense.
Weather conditions were mild, with temperatures in the 40s and 50s, but fields were soft and too wet for much work that required equipment. In other words, it was the kind of week where farmers were ready to step away from the mud and spend time talking through the year ahead.
“The general mood was positive,” Ben said. “Farmers in general are optimists.”
That Calendar Turn Changes the Mindset
One of the strongest themes from Ben’s update was how the weeks after the holidays naturally reset priorities. Even with winter still in full force, the mindset shifts quickly.
“There’s just something about that calendar turning,” Ben explained. “Once everybody gets through the holidays, guys start realizing spring is coming fast.”
That’s when conversations start moving toward:
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Reviewing what worked and what didn’t in 2025
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Considering fertility and seed decisions
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Building a plan early instead of reacting late
Pennsylvania Farm Show Highlights Agriculture for the Public
Ben also pointed to the Pennsylvania Farm Show in Harrisburg, a major event designed to educate consumers about agriculture. While it includes traditional livestock shows (cattle, hogs, sheep, and more), Ben emphasized the broader mission: bringing the public closer to what farming looks like.
He shared one example that captures the scale and creativity of the event: live camera access that lets people watch for a calf being born. It’s a powerful reminder of how agriculture can connect with families and communities when it’s presented in a real, accessible way.
“It’s an amazing way Pennsylvania focuses on introducing the consumer to what agriculture is like,” Ben said.
The Mill Agronomy Perspective
Farm shows are more than winter tradition. They’re a checkpoint for the industry and a signal that planning season is here. With spring approaching quickly, now is the time to start building a strategy for inputs, fieldwork timing, and the decisions that will shape 2026 results.
The Mill’s agronomy team continues working alongside Mid-Atlantic growers to translate field data into practical plans — before the rush hits.
