WAE sold out, expecting big crowds

Former President George W. Bush, presidential candidate Newt Gingrich, country singer Trace Adkins, and more than 1,700 exhibitors are adding up to one of the best World Ag Expos ever next week in Tulare.

“It really is,” answered Jerry Sinift, World Ag Expo’s chief executive officer, of the potential for the 2012 WAE being the best ever.

The WAE runs Tuesday through Thursday at the sprawling Agri-Center grounds on Laspina Street in Tulare. More than 100,000 attendees are expected.

President Bush is the keynote speaker for the first ever Ag Warriors Gala on Wednesday, a fundraising event to help returning veterans secure training and careers in the agriculture industry.

The Agri-Center has joined forces with California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo; California State University, Fresno; College of the Sequoias and West Hills College Coalinga to develop plans to assist service members seeking training in the agricultural field.

While Bush is scheduled to speak at the 6:30 p.m. event, he is not scheduled to tour the grounds, but Sinift said that could change. Adkins is to perform at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday during the Concerts for a Cause. Joining Adkins is Brett Eldredge and local country group, Chaparral. Proceeds from the concert will benefit agricultural education on a local, state, and national level. Adkins is also not scheduled to tour the grounds.

“We’re standing by if they want to,” said Sinift of the army of volunteers ready to give the former president or the country singing star a tour of the grounds.

Newt Gingrich, in a battle for the Republican nomination for president, is expected to visit the show on Tuesday. He will tour and see the more than 1,400 exhibitors spread over the 2.6 million-square-feet of showgrounds.

And the weather will be cooperative although show officials say a little rain wouldn’t hurt.

There is a slim chance of rain on Monday, but the show should be dry with highs in the mid-60s.

Sinift said there is a waiting list of more than 40 companies that did not secure a space this year.

“One company is coming from Pennsylvania with their stuff just in case a space opens up,” he said.

One of the biggest destination spots is the beef and livestock pavilion (Pavilion D). “There’s a lot of new and exciting things there,” he said.

The pavilion offers live animal demonstrations and this year that includes a live working cow dog demonstration.

Sinift said that beef is the No. 2 interest listed on surveys, with the equipment No. 1.

A must see this year is a new piece of machinery, a boysenberry harvester.

Of course, the largest exhibitors are John Deere, International Harvest and Case with their massive pieces of equipment with the latest technology. Then, there are the smallest items, down to micro chips that help track animals.

The show will again have a big international flavor with scores of international companies exhibiting and visitors from more than 50 countries.

On the final day of the show, Thursday, Feb. 16, the Airoso family will celebrate 100 years of dairying by hosting a dairy cattle auction in the Entertainment Pavilion. The auction will be the first animal sale in the history of World Ag Expo. The Airosos will commemorate the century milestone by showcasing 25 to 30 head of their registered Holstein breeding stock at the auction. In addition to their own animals, there will be another 70 guest consignments from throughout the United States and Canada.

The cost to attend remains the same, $12 per person. Gates are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday.

For a full schedule of events, more information about the show, or to pre-register for World Ag Expo 2012 visit www.WorldAgExpo.com.