2025 World Ag Expo kicks off with thousands of visitors in Tulare County

TULARE COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) -- Day one of the World Ag Expo marked the start of one of the busiest weeks for agriculture in the Central Valley and across the world.

For pro-immigration activists, this was an opportunity to make their voices heard.

Peaceful demonstrators held up signs that read "Stop Deporting Workers" and "Keep Undocumented Families Together"

The protests come as the Trump administration carries out campaign promises of mass deportations.

The president and his supporters have said is a crucial step to improve the nation's safety and security.

About a dozen people stood on the corner of Paige and Laspina as hundreds of vehicles made their way toward the International Agri-Center.

Expo Chairwoman Connie Conway says security and traffic control were prepared for the demonstrations.

"Everybody gets to express their opinion, and that is how we learn. We learn from each other to express ideas, if it stays peaceful, and it's just an exchange of ideas then that's great, that's what makes our country good," said Conway.

As we head into day two, staff and volunteers are also gearing up for the busiest day of the show.

"Wednesday is usually our biggest day, and we had a little bit of rain earlier and sometimes the rain helps farmers leave the field," explained Conway.

The food, including the famous tri-tip sandwiches, learning development centers, and seminars are among the many reasons people head to the show.

For the 1,200 exhibitors, the expo means their new products are seen by farmers from around the world.

"So, this is the Amiga max, it's a new prototype that's under development," says Joanna Normoyle with Farm-NG from Watsonville.

Farm-NG is showcasing their battery powered robots.

"There are jobs that I had to do that I didn't want to do physically in the field, like spraying sulfur in my orchard," said Normoyle.

"For example, so when I look at the amiga, I see that I can stand at the edge with a remote control and supervise it going on a path that I taught it."

Normoyle is a fifth-generation farmer.

"For me, it's really important, just the visibility of women saying 'I'm a farmer,'" said Normoyle.

If you are looking to come to the show, there are two days left.

Tickets are available online for a discount, or you can buy them in person.

There are also shuttle services every 15 minutes from several locations, including the Tulare Outlets.

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