Dakotafest
August 19, 2025 - August 21, 2025
Dakotafest: A Business-Driven Celebration of Farming and Rural Life
Each year, under the wide-open skies of South Dakota, an important tradition returns: Dakotafest. More than just a farm show, Dakotafest is where agriculture meets innovation, families connect with community, and farming and rural life are honored with energy, purpose, and pride. The event brings together over 400 agriculture-focused exhibitors, offering a dynamic blend of business, education, and family-friendly experiences.
Whether you’re a seasoned farmer, an ag-tech innovator, or someone simply passionate about the land, Dakotafest provides a unique platform to engage, explore, and advance your agricultural goals.
Built for Business: Where Real Conversations Happen
Dakotafest is built for business and powered by partnerships. What sets this event apart isn’t just the impressive lineup of exhibitors or equipment on display—it’s the emphasis on real conversations between people who truly understand agriculture.
Attendees can walk away with:
New supplier relationships
Innovative ideas for their farm operations
Connections to service providers and partners
Opportunities to explore emerging technologies
This isn’t just about “looking”—it’s about doing. Dakotafest has established a reputation as the place where agriculture professionals make strategic decisions, explore upgrades to their operations, and connect with vendors that move their business forward.
Showcasing Agriculture-Focused Products and Services
From seed genetics to autonomous machinery, Dakotafest delivers a complete look at the tools and solutions shaping the future of agriculture. Over 400 exhibitors gather on-site to showcase a broad spectrum of agriculture-focused products, services, and technologies.
Here’s what visitors can expect to explore:
Farm equipment and machinery from top manufacturers
Precision ag technology, including GPS systems and data management tools
Seed and crop protection products
Livestock equipment and animal health solutions
Sustainable farming methods and conservation practices
Ag finance, insurance, and legal services
This full-spectrum approach means that whatever your role in agriculture, from operator to supplier to agri-entrepreneur, you’ll find something valuable at Dakotafest.
More Than Machinery: A Learning Hub for the Agricultural Community
One of Dakotafest’s greatest strengths is its commitment to education and dialogue. Every year, the event offers informative sessions led by agricultural experts, local leaders, university researchers, and policy makers. These sessions focus not just on what's happening today—but what's coming tomorrow.
Popular topics often include:
Climate and weather trends affecting the Midwest
Commodity markets and pricing forecasts
Rural policy and advocacy
Farm succession planning and estate management
Regenerative agriculture and soil health
These educational opportunities are designed to help producers and stakeholders make informed decisions that strengthen their business and communities.
Live Demonstrations: Seeing is Believing
Few things compare to seeing a new piece of equipment in action or watching a technique demonstrated live. Dakotafest delivers just that with its impressive lineup of live demonstrations throughout the event grounds.
From precision planting drills to hay balers and livestock handling equipment, the demo zones bring innovation to life. Farmers and ranchers can evaluate performance, durability, and ease of use firsthand—helping them decide if a product is truly right for their operation.
A Family-Friendly Festival Rooted in Community
While Dakotafest is undeniably business-focused, it's also a celebration of rural lifestyle and the families who live it every day. It’s a place where kids and adults alike can explore, learn, and enjoy the culture of farming.
Family activities often include:
Petting zoos and agricultural exhibits for kids
Hands-on learning stations and STEM activities
Horse and livestock shows
Food courts featuring local cuisine
Live music and entertainment
Children’s play zones
This family-focused environment helps bridge the generational gap, giving younger attendees a deeper appreciation for the importance and joy of rural life.
Dakotafest’s Role in Supporting the Agricultural Economy
Events like Dakotafest do more than just put tractors and tools on display. They serve as economic catalysts for the region and the broader ag industry. With thousands of attendees and hundreds of vendors, the event fosters significant business activity, industry networking, and rural engagement.
Additionally, Dakotafest acts as a rallying point for the agricultural community, where discussions about rural infrastructure, land use, trade policies, and sustainability initiatives often gain traction.
It’s also common to see local economic development organizations and universities use Dakotafest as a platform to announce new programs, scholarships, or partnerships that benefit the regional farming economy.
What Makes Dakotafest Unique?
There are plenty of farm shows across the U.S., but Dakotafest holds a distinct place in the hearts of those in the Midwest. Its focus is squarely on actionable value—not just fanfare. It isn’t just about showcasing new gear—it’s about empowering farmers and rural families with real tools, knowledge, and partnerships.
Key reasons why Dakotafest stands out:
Hosted in a region at the heart of American agriculture
Curated for working producers, not just spectators
Offers a unique blend of commercial, educational, and community programming
Encourages face-to-face business connections in a digital age
Seamlessly balances tradition and innovation
By creating an experience that serves the whole person—farmer, business owner, parent, neighbor—Dakotafest reflects the values of the communities it celebrates.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Dakotafest
As agriculture continues to evolve, so too does Dakotafest. Organizers remain committed to adapting the event to reflect the changing needs of rural America—from climate-smart solutions to the digital transformation of farming.
In the years to come, Dakotafest is expected to:
Expand its tech innovation pavilion
Introduce more content on young farmer education and rural careers
Enhance virtual access and live-streamed sessions
Increase focus on sustainable farming practices
Build new public-private partnerships to support ag-based economic development
Dakotafest isn’t just keeping pace—it’s helping lead the way.
One Place, Once a Year—Where Agriculture Comes to Life
Every August, Dakotafest brings together the best of the ag world—from serious business to serious fun. It’s a time to connect with your peers, discover new opportunities, and celebrate the land that sustains us.
Whether you’re shopping for new equipment, exploring financing options, meeting potential collaborators, or just spending the day with your family, Dakotafest offers a high-value experience rooted in authenticity and community.
This is where business gets done, and where the heart of agriculture beats loud and proud.
