47th Annual World Ag Expo Closes
TULARE – World Ag Expo closed its 47th annual show last week after three days of big crowds, warm weather and new innovations.
More than 50 countries were represented at this year’s Expo, which boasts 2.6 million square feet of exhibit space on 260 acres of show grounds. With 1,500 exhibitors and 100,000 attendees, World Ag Expo is the world’s largest annual agricultural exposition.
“This has been another great show for us,” said Jerry Sinift, World Ag Expo’s CEO. “This is the place where serious buyers and sellers come to do business, and we’ve heard lots of success stories again this year.”
This year’s highlights included the new World Ag Expo Arena with daily exhibitor showcases facilitated by Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers. The Arena, which featured the latest products and technologies from World Ag Expo’s exhibitors, was a popular attraction for attendees.
Two governors were in attendance at this year’s Expo. Gov. Brown made a brief visit on Wednesday morning after commenting on the drought at a breakfast hosted by the Agricultural Council of California. South Dakota Gov. Dennis Daugaard spent Thursday visiting with attendees at the South Dakota Department of Agriculture’s exhibit space after touring the showgrounds and visiting with media and volunteers.
“I’m very, very pleased with how the Expo went,” said 2014 volunteer chairman, Stephen Cunha. “We’ve had great crowds and exhibitors are satisfied with the turnout.”
Nearly 1,000 volunteers were also involved in the planning and organization of World Ag Expo.
“Thank you to all the staff and volunteers who have worked so hard to make our show such a success,” Cunha added.
World Ag Expo 2015 is scheduled for Feb. 10-12 at the International Agri-Center in Tulare, Calif.