Industry Meets Innovation At 2009 World Ag Expo

contents

america

If it would take just one trip to World Ag Expo for you to improve your operation to make it more productive and profitable, imagine what you could with all three days. An estimated 100,000 attendees from 67 countries will experience an "International Passport to Agriculture, " Feb. 10-12 at the 42nd annual World Ag Expo located at the International Agri-Center in Tulare, Calif. The expo is the largest annual agricultural show of its kind with more than 1,600 exhibitors displaying cutting edge agricultural technology and equipment on 2.6 million square feet of show grounds.

"World Ag Expo has a global audience and truly deserves its title as the world leader in agricultural events, " said Paul Simon, 2009 World Ag Expo Chairman. "This show has an international reputation as the agricultural trade show, exhibiting the largest selection of merchandise the industry has to offer."

A highlight of recent shows has been the expo's display of the latest innovations in agriculture — the Top-10 New Products and the Top-Five New Dairy Products. The 2009 products will be showcased in the New Product Center and the Dairy Technology Center, respectively. A panel of industry professionals and agriculturalists chose the products as the newest, most innovative products for the upcoming year.

Jerry Sinift, Chief Executive Officer of the International Agri-Center, said the products address the demands that agricultural companies and growers are currently experiencing.

"Companies are always looking to operate more efficiently, but in today's economy efficiency has become increasingly important. We believe the products that are on display at World Ag Expo, especially those that have been named top products, show great promise for 2009, " Sinift said.

Along with new technology, World Ag Expo will again prepare growers for solutions to scenarios they will most likely face in 2009 with a line-up of seminars on international trade, agribusiness and irrigation – all free with paid admission.

Simon added, these days, water supply and delivery is especially important.

"Efficient use of available water supplies has never been more important to agriculture. These seminars will provide information on the latest technology from the irrigation industry to help farmers produce more food and fiber in the face of reduced irrigation water supplies, " Simon said. Luncheon

Building on the success of electronic registration implemented in 2008, all attendees will register electronically, providing general demographic information before entering the show grounds or at home online at worldagexpo.com, World Ag Expo's newly designed web site.

Sinift said the web site's new features not only make the trip to the expo more convenient for attendees, they serve as a resource year round. Two of the newest features of the web site are:

• Digital Show Grounds – A fully interactive interface where attendees can map out their show visit, plan to attend seminars and see which companies will attend World Ag Expo.

• Expo Tickets – Not only can attendees register online, they can also now purchase event tickets for the expo's prayer breakfast, FFA Tundra Giveaway and West Coast Nationals.

"This is the first step in providing year-round access to all who are involved with the World Ag Expo, " Sinift said. "There is enough information and technology shared at the Expo to last much longer than three days. This new site will help us continue to be a resource long after the gates close."

The Expo will also serve as an educational opportunity for the next generation of farmers. During the expo, World Ag Expo and E.M. Tharp Inc. will, for the third year, award the "We Believe in Growing" scholarship. The $10,000 scholarships will go to two graduating seniors planning to attend a four-year university and major in agricultural business, general agriculture fields or industrial engineering.

Additionally, Central and San Joaquin FFA Chapters will directly benefit from funds raised during the giveaway of a new 2009 Toyota Tundra Double Cab SR5 4x2 with 5.7L V8 engine donated by Toyota, the official truck of the International Agri-Center. Students from 47 FFA Chapters are currently selling tickets for $5 with all proceeds going to the FFA Chapter designated by the purchaser. Tickets can also be purchased online at worldagexpo.com. The truck will be given away at 3 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 12, the final day of the expo.

write your comments about the article :: © 2009 Exhibition News :: home page