World Ag Expo: It's got something for everyone

Kids, cows and crowds were all part of this year's record-breaking World Ag Expo in Tulare.

Although billed as the largest farm show on earth, the annual World Ag Expo in Tulare has more than sheer size to brag about.

Sure, the three-day affair draws more than 100,000 visitors and 1,600 vendors displaying an array of giant new tractors, plows and other big-ticket items on 2.5 million square feet of exhibit space.

But the event is also a yearly gathering place for farmers, ranchers and other agriculture-related professionals from around the globe to swap ideas and check out the latest in farming innovations. Even nonfarmers of all ages come to mingle and climb the tractors. Whether they are selling, buying or just looking, show attendees give a huge boost to the area's economy, selling out hotel rooms and bringing plenty of business to the food service industry.

Celebrating its 40th year, the expo has been a favorite stomping ground for celebrity politicians. Last year Gov. Schwarzenegger used the venue to talk about broken levees and water concerns in California. This year former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani took to the grounds on opening day to get acquainted with the farming community and its issues. He also confirmed that he would be running in the 2008 presidential race.

"It was an incredible experience," said Bruce Shannon, World Ag Expo chairman. "He was really interested in what the show had to offer, what exhibitors were selling and what all of this means to farmers."

During the past 40 years, 29 exhibitors, including the California Farm Bureau Federation, have faithfully participated in every show. For the first time in the show's history, there were 565 international attendees from 57 countries on opening day this year. Countries such as China, Australia, the Ukraine, Mexico and Canada sent some of the largest delegations to the show.

"This record one-day attendance is a true testament to the global atmosphere of agriculture," said Jana Hopper, international marketing director for World Ag Expo. "Whether they grow 20 or 20,000 acres, a farmer's marketplace spans the globe. We are happy to bring the world's farmers together to share ideas and innovations."

The 80,000 square-foot Tulare Dairy Center featured displays of the latest in dairy equipment, technology and services. In 2008, expo officials plan to unveil an additional 100,000 square feet of dairy space, adding 130 new dairy exhibits. The grounds currently accommodate some 500 exhibits.

(Ching Lee is a reporter for Ag Alert. She may be contacted at clee@cfbf.com.)