Back in the day, on our family farm, we fed small hay bales to cattle from a pickup in the winter and spring. Once, when I was in high school, I was doing the job alone on a cold winter day when “Big Iron” by the great Marty Robbins began playing on the pickup radio. Naturally, like any self-respecting American would have done, I cranked up the volume.  The cows were a bit startled at first, but I’d like to think they enjoyed it, too.

Just like the classic song,  the Big Iron Farm Show — held Sept. 13-15 this year, at the Red River Valley Fairgrounds in West Fargo, N.D. — has made its mark.  Adding an international trade component to the show four years ago made the event even stronger.

I’ll be at Big Iron again this year, of course. My time there will include a stint in the Agweek booth (C-41 in the Commercial Building) from 1-3 p.m. Tuesday the 13th. Be sure to drop by to say hello and share any suggestions or story ideas.

One suggestion: Before you come to Big Iron,  get out your Mary Robbins’ album, tape or CD (if you don’t have one, buy one) and listen to “Big Iron.” His “El Paso” is awesome, too. They don’t make songs like that anymore.