World Ag Expo 2010

History of the World Ag Expo

The World Ag Expo began in 1968, and was held at the Tulare County Fairgrounds in Tulare, California. When the 3-day run of the first show was complete, this new show proved to be successful, especially after exhibitors were lining up to sign contracts for the second show in 1969 before the first one had even ended. The first show attracted 157 exhibitors with 28,000 attendees. By the second year, the show doubled in both attendees and exhibitors, and continued the rapid growth throughout the future years.

Tulare’s location in the center of the state and the heart of the agriculturally-rich San Joaquin Valley proved accessible and attractive to farm equipment manufacturers and dealers from around the world. The exhibitors found an organized show in a central location where they could display their agriculture products, services, and equipment to an interested audience of farmers, also known as serious, potential buyers. The attendees found a place where they could view the latest technology, and agricultural equipment and services in one location.

Originally named “Tulare’s Field and Row Crop Equipment Show,” it quickly outgrew its name, and became the “California Farm Equipment Show” for the second show in 1969. In 1972, the first foreign manufacturers began moving in to display their products, leading the necessity of another name change “California Farm Equipment Show and International Exposition” and finally, the current name, “World Ag Expo,” was adopted in 2001.

With the increase in international exhibitors and visitors, the United States Department of Commerce sensed an opportunity to enhance the U.S. export trade possibilities. The Department of Commerce designated and publicized the show throughout the world as an official affiliate of the Foreign Buyer Program. Throughout the 1970s, the show continued to grow, eventually leading to a shortage of space at the fairgrounds. So, in 1976, the show directors voted to explore the formation of a special corporation that would establish an international agribusiness showplace somewhere within the Tulare area. The plan was found to be feasible, and a non-profit corporation was created - the International Agri-Center, Inc. A section of the Faria Family farm became the site for the new showgrounds of the farm expo - located just south of Tulare on Laspina Street, conveniently along Highway 99.

The 15th California Farm Equipment Show and International Exposition opened its doors on the new show grounds, February 9, 1982. This new location provided Tulare with the first facility in the Western United States ever constructed to house an agricultural trade show and other farm-related events. Throughout the years, exhibitors have found the now World Ag Expo to be a sound investment in future business at a show devoted to the task of bringing seller and buyer together.

The International Agri-Center is continually investing and enhancing the show grounds for the comfort and convenience for the farmers and the exhibitors, who browse and occupy the Farm Show Streets each February. The Dairy Center was completed for the first-time use during the 1991 show, built in response to the growing need for more space for the popular demand of dairy industry displays.

Driving Directions

Directions Map The World Ag Expo takes place in Tulare, California located in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley. Below is a map of California to get an idea of our location. The showgrounds are located just off Highway 99 in Tulare, CA, midway between Fresno and Bakersfield. Be aware that roads leading into the Farm Show grounds can be congested after 8 a.m., particularly Tuesday and Wednesday.

Traveling north on Hwy 99

Exit at Avenue 184 or Avenue 200 and follow the signs.

Traveling south on Hwy 99

Exit at Paige Avenue or Avenue 200 and follow the signs.

To reach off-site parking

At the Preferred Outlets of Tulare from southbound Highway 99, use the Cartmill/Oaks exit and follow the signs to the center. From northbound Highway 99, use the Hillman/Prosperity exit and follow the signs to the center. Free shuttle service is available.

Airfields are located in Tulare and Visalia, as well as Bakersfield and Fresno. Free shuttle service (this link takes you to another site) is available from the Tulare and Visalia airfields to the showgrounds.

Where is the AmHydro booth located?

We are located in Booth H45 on the west side of the fair grounds. We share a booth with AgraTech Inc.


Click on the map above to view it in your browser	Click on the map above to download a high-resolution version of the map (7.1 mb -- Adobe Reader is required)

Hours and Admission

Hours

9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, February 09, 2010
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, February 10, 2010
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday, February 11, 2010

Admission

General Admission: $12
Three-Day Passes: $30
Children 6 and under FREE

Parking and Shuttle Service

Free parking is available at the show site. Attendees are encourage to utilize the shuttle service. Park at the following locations and take a bus to the World Ag Expo show grounds to avoid traffic congestion:

For drop-off/pickup at West Gate #2 park at:

Preferred Outlets of Tulare
Tulare Transit Center

For drop-off/pickup at East Gate #12 park at:

Tulare County Fairgrounds on "K" Street
Visalia Mall
Mid-Valley Cotton Gin
First Assembly of God Church at Akers and Caldwell, Visalia

RV Parking

Cost: $20
RV parking is available on the showgrounds
Spaces available on first-come, first served basis.

Helpful Hints

World Ag Expo personnel recommend visitors dress casually and wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking. Due to the season, rain is occasionally encountered.
Information booths are located throughout the show grounds to assist visitors in locating specific exhibitors and interest areas.