World Ag Expo this week in Tulare

For 43 years, the Kirby family has been taking a trip each year to the World Ag Expo in Tulare.

And this year is no different.

Rick Kirby, owner of Kirby Manufacturing, is carrying on the precedent set by his grandfather Tom Kirby and his great-uncle Bill Kirby.

"Of course, we are going this year," Rick said. "We will have our full product line there."

The Merced manufacturing company builds cattle feeding equipment and will be one of more than 1,600 exhibitors at the expo that runs from Feb. 9-11 at the International Agri-Center in Tulare.

The ag expo is the world's largest agriculture exposition. Included in this year's expo will be the latest in farm equipment, chemicals, communications and technology on 2.5 million square feet of exhibit space.

Steve Knudsen, director of communications for the expo, said about 100,000 attendees are expected at the event this year, and exhibitors and attendees come from 67 different countries.

Free seminars will be available to dairy producers, farmers, ranchers and other ag professionals.

There will also be cooking demonstrations by chefs from California's restaurants.

Kirby said the expo helps his company hook up with more than just local customers. "We've made international contacts at this event," Kirby said.

Along with making those contacts, Kirby said the expo is an ideal place to see the best of ag.

"The latest and greatest will be there," he said. "It's a great learning experience."

Reporter Carol Reiter can be reached at (209) 385-2486 or creiter@mercedsun-star.com