While the National Farm Machinery Show is taking place there’s also another major show going on in California, World Ag Expo. On the scene is my friend Gary Schulz.
The 41st edition of the World Ag Expo experienced sunny weather in the 60s, large crowds and a record exhibitor count as the show grounds grew to an estimated 2.5 million square feet. The new attendee registration system and the 8 a.m. starting time (earlier from the traditional 9 a.m. start) created the largest share of comments among the exhibitors that I spoke with at the Central California NAMA reception, hosted by Alta Genetics. In attendance at the reception of note were Gary Vorpahl of Hoard’s, Bob Moracewski, Joel Hastings of Holstein World, Sandy Creighton of California Farmer, Megan Pierce of Agribusiness Publications, Dennis Duncan of Ag Alert, and about 70 others.
Primary ag issues creating a buzz at the expo included water supply cutbacks, new water quality and air quality regs, including a “NO on the 2/9” rule that would severly regulate diesel trucks used in California based on their manufactured date. Steve Kost of the Far West Equipment Dealers Association, Manuel Cunha of Nisei Farmers League and Roger Isom of the Cotton Ginners Association are lead proponents of modifying the proposed regulations.
World Ag Expo continues to impress with its large turnout of international attendees and the service provided by the many orange jacket volunteers. They are everywhere and are doing a great job!
Gary Schulz, former General Manager of World Ag Expo
Currently Program Director of the Claude Laval Water and Energy Technology Incubator
and
Senior Strategist for Gary Schulz Consulting