Agriculture's attention turns to Tulare, California, next week for the 46th annual World Ag Expo. The largest farm equipment and technology show in the world is expected to attract over 100,000 visitors and 1,400 exhibitors. Opening time is 9 a.m. each day. (Photo courtesy of World Ag Expo.)

Dairying will again be a centerpiece industry at the show. Approximately 20 percent of all displays and 12 percent of all visitors each year are involved in or are affiliated with making or marketing milk. Daily farm tours, free equipment ride and drive areas, and a wide range of seminars will make it pretty much impossible to see and do everything.

An added feature this year will be a public forum on February 13 to discuss the pros, cons and possibilities of establishing a Federal Milk Market Order in California. It will start at 9:30 a.m. in the VIP Tent adjacent to the Tulare Dairy Center indoor exhibit building and will feature panelists from the state's three largest dairy cooperatives.

On February 14, a panel discussion with milk processors will be held as part of the Dairy Seminars schedule from 11 a.m. to noon in Building 3. Invited participants include representatives from California Dairies Inc., Dairy Farmers of America, Hilmar Cheese Company, and Land O'Lakes. They will discuss current industry topics and issues including milk procurement, base allocation, milk pricing and more.

Many more details about the show are available at its website: www.worldagexpo.org