Signs of a softer farm economy were evident at this year’s Iowa Power Farming Show in Des Moines as farmers spent more time window shopping instead of seeking out deals.

With corn prices down about 15 percent and soybean prices nearly 25 percent lower than a year ago, farmers from Iowa and surrounding states came into the show with a cautious attitude.

"Things have got to get a lot better before I decide to buy," said Dennis Andresen of Keystone. "When times get better, at least we know what’s out there."

Although buying interest was down, large crowds of farmers still showed up to check out the latest equipment and technology offerings by agriculture manufacturers, said John Hinchliff, a sales associate for Rueter’s implement dealership in Elkhart. The show, billed as the...