Wisconsin Farm Technology Days being held in 2019 in Jefferson County harkens back to the beginning of the Wisconsin farm show. In only its third year, 1956, the show was also held in the county. A farmer from that show would likely be overwhelmed in this year’s show with the changes in technology and the industry, but he would likely feel right at home talking to farmer attendees. Weather, prices, the government and equipment are still the most-discussed topics well into the 21st century.
Farming is everybody’s bread and butter. Henry L. Ahlgren, left, receives in 1979 a Federal Intermediate Credit Bank of St. Paul medallion from Howard C. Richards, president. In the center is Everett G. Hove, vice-president and master of ceremonies. Ahlgren was presented the medallion for his contributions to agriculture. He was cited especially for his work in developing the organizational structure of Wisconsin Farm Progress Days. The event had at the time become the largest single state outdoor farm show in the nation. The medallion shows in relief a plowman facing the rising sun, and a soaring eagle depicting strength and freedom.
Merle Schuler competes in the 1955 youth-level land-plowing contest. He won both the 1955 and 1956 shows. 'The actual plow he used in the event is currently in a museum in Two Rivers,' says his brother, Ron Schuler, former general manager of the show and author of the show's history. 'Sadly my brother passed away 13 years ago.'
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Workers pave a barnyard on the Ward farm for the 1956 Wisconsin Farm Progress Days show in Jefferson County.
The 1957 Wisconsin Farm Progress Days featured a plowing contest.
'Life' magazine photographers stand on a platform built with support from Midland Co-op at the 1957 Wisconsin Farm Progress Days in Juneau County.
Henry Ahlgren
Julie Belschner writes on various agricultural issues; she is the managing editor for Agri-View based in Wisconsin.
