Cadott set to host 2024 Farm Technology Days

Wade Asher, Chippewa Valley Music Festivals general manager (left), and Jamie Close, owner of Close Farms in Cadott, were excited to announce their respective properties have been chosen to host the 2024 Farm Technology Days/farm tour. The two were chosen from among 40 applicants to host the event. Based on the $3.5 million in economic impact the 2022 event had on Clark County, with the Cadott site centrally located, most of Chippewa County will benefit from the happening. Photo by Ginna Young

By Ginna Young

Each year, Farm Technology Days draws in scores of visitors, with a large economic impact on whatever community is fortunate enough to host the site. In 2024, Chippewa County will reap the benefits of that impact, as the Country/Rock Fest site in rural Cadott, was chosen to act as host Aug. 1315, 2024.

The announcement came Dec. 15, with a call-out to sponsors, vendors and the 1,500 volunteers needed to make the event a possibility.

“We’re looking forward to the farm-focused event and being part of its economic impact for the community,” said Wade Asher, Chippewa Valley Music Festivals general manager.

Nearby Close Farms was also selected to serve as the farm tour host.

“We’re just glad to be part of this experience,” said Jamie Close.

Not only is the 2024 location central to the heart of the county, but neighboring farms can be included in tours, reaching even more with the economic impact.

“It’s unappreciated how a strong ag economy is, to a strong local economy,” said Arnie Jenneman, general manager of Wisconsin Farm Technology Days. “The state really has a lot to offer, in terms of diverse agriculture and industry.”

Situated on 360 acres of field, the fest site has established driveways and parking, with traffic already figured out, as well as electric, running water and other amenities. With all that in place, Charlie Walker, president of the Chippewa County Economic Development Corporation, says the 2024 Farm Technology Days is already ahead of the game to bring the best experience possible to the Chippewa Valley.

“We’re able to hit the ground running and focus more on the customer service experience… I think that positions us to have the best Farm Technology Days in history.”