Celebrating 50 years with the World Ag Expo
One of the shows I love to be a part of is the World Ag Expo, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary February 14-16, 2017 at the International Agri-Center in Tulare, California. World Ag is the largest annual agricultural exposition in the world, with more than 1,500 exhibitors and 2.6 million square feet of exhibit space.
It has something for everyone, from displays of the latest in farm equipment, communications, and technology, to free seminars on topics important to dairy producers, farmers, ranchers, and agribusiness professionals. Members and attendees are constantly looking for the best practices to keep the industry healthy, strong, and growing just like their products. And such a bargain – just $15 per attendee.
By the looks of it, this year’s World Ag Expo seminar program is focusing more and more on new technology to help farmers compete. The seminar called Mapping Drones in Precision Ag: How to Get Started, caught my eye. Experts from a major global commercial drone company will discuss agricultural-based drone use, especially how mapping fields can benefit farming operations.
Another seminar, Global Opportunities for U.S. Manufacturers in a Rapidly Changing World, is something I know agricultural businesses will benefit from. The experts will discuss how U.S. agribusiness must develop innovative export marketing strategies to help them survive in today’s world market.
Other seminars that caught my eye from an equipment point of view include those on irrigation tools and techniques, water issues, and the rise of mechanization.
Of course, Fairbanks Scales will be on hand to show off what we bring to the table — or should I say what we bring to the field — for the agricultural market, including products that improve sanitation audit scores and increase overall food safety. We will have our Talon line of heavy-duty Truck Scales, Aegis Floor Scales, sanitary design QuickSilver Stainless Steel Platforms, and the 1124 Series Portable Utility Scale. Drop by Booth #D2/E1 to take a look.
While they may not be as sexy as a drone, scale equipment for agricultural operations can have a major effect on the bottom line. For example, we recently helped one Tennessee hay farmer select the right scale for his business – a scale that can withstand the farm’s challenging weather conditions and maintain safety for his employees, while also allowing him to collect the data he needs to help him double his production in the near future.
We are excited about all the innovations in the agricultural industry and look forward to participating in the World Ag Expo as it celebrates a half-century of progress. We’ll see you there on February 14th!