SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) - It may only be January but farmers are already looking ahead to planting season at the annual South Dakota Ag Expo. The two-day event, hosted by the South Dakota Agri-Business Association, gives farmers and producers a chance to network while also learning about all of the latest agricultural technologies. "All the new seed, chemical, fertilizer things are here. Lots and lots of equipment dealers here to talk to," David Clark, a Board member for the SD Agri-Business Association, said. Helping everyone get a jumpstart on the 2025 planting season. "Hopefully we have a good planting season coming on. We're a little slow on snowfall this year and could use a little moisture in a lot of places across the state but, you know, we're always optimistic," Clark said. "You know, nothing more optimistic than a farmer putting a crop in the ground and hoping what comes out to be a good one in the end." UPDATE: Suspect in custody in Milbank incident Our weather isn't the only thing farmers are keeping a close eye on, though. There's also the economy -- which is what Mark Lucas, a risk management consultant out of Minnesota, was at the Expo to talk about. "We had some numbers out this morning and the CPI inflation number was a little bit higher than what they were anticipating," Lucas said. "That, in turn, let some of the markets pop up." When it comes to the grain market, Lucas says things are a little more positive right now than they have been. "Don't fall asleep on these grain prices," Lucas said. "You know, we're getting a nice rally here now, we're not running out of stocks at this point in time. Take advantage of rallies and take a look at the bottom line and make some sales when it makes sense for you." The Ag Expo will continue at the Sioux Falls Convention Center from 8:30 to noon on Thursday. Registration is required to attend the Expo.