Sunny skies and sunny moods are anticipated for the opening of the 45th anniversary of World Ag Expo tomorrow.
World Ag Expo runs Tuesday through Thursday at the International Agri-Center in Tulare, with 1,471 exhibitors and 1,988 sold exhibit spaces. World Ag Expo sold out earlier this year than in recent years - a testament to an improved agricultural economy, says World Ag Expo chairman Patty Colson. "The ag economy is improved and we're confident that our exhibitors will find buyers and our attendees will find the equipment and technology they need to be more profitable and productive," Colson added. The E.M. Tharp "We Believe in Growing" scholarships were awarded today during Media Day. Recipients are Miranda Medrano, a senior from Wasco, who plans to attend Cornell University in the fall, and Jace Tarbell, a senior at Golden West High School, who has applied to California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, and Kansas State University. Opening day will feature seminars on hay and forage, international trade, beef and livestock, dairy, and energy management. World Ag Women offers programs throughout the day featuring celebrity chefs and entertainment. Tuesday's lineup for World Ag Women has been changed. The 2 p.m. event will feature World Ag Expo chairman Patty Colson with chef Nick Serafin of Serafine's Catering, Tulare. The general ag seminar schedule for Wednesday has also changed. New topics and times are as follows:
- California Water Challenge - A Local Perspective, 9:30 a.m.
- Looking for Terrorists - Pest Threats to the Citrus Industry, 11:15 a.m.
- More Green Energy Bio-Fuels, 1 p.m.
- M2M: Future of Ag Communications? 2:25 p.m.
All seminars are held in the Seminar Center located south of the Farm Credit Dairy Center, near R Street and South Street. Tickets are available for Concerts for a Cause on Tuesday, featuring country music artist Trace Adkins. Joining Trace is Brett Eldredge and local country group, Chaparral. Proceeds from the concert will benefit agricultural education on a local, state and national level. The Ag Warriors Gala on Wednesday will feature President George W. Bush and Daniel Rodriguez, New York City's "singing policeman." The Gala will kick off the Ag Warriors program, designed to help returning veterans secure training and careers in the agriculture industry. Attendees can get the latest news, information and updates about World Ag Expo by downloading the new for 2012 mobile app for iPhone and Android platforms. The free app provides mobile access to the schedule of events, an exhibitor directory, map of the show grounds and other visitor resources. The app is available for download by visiting the iTunes store or Android Marketplace, search for "World Ag Expo." For a full schedule of events and admission information, visit worldagexpo.com. 2.13.2012