2023 World Ag Expo begins Tuesday morning, runs through Thursday

TULARE COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) -- The 56th World Ag Expo kicked off in Tulare County on Tuesday morning.

The biggest farm show on the globe will feature more than 1200 exhibitors displaying the latest in Ag technology.

Thousands of people made their way through the gates at the International Agri-Center, an experience many say is a tradition.

"We really like the rib eye sandwiches, but other than that, we really wanted to see the vendors, I want to see my baby on a tractor!" said Brian Coelho from Fresno.

Doug Porter from Merced hasn't missed a show in 20 years.

"It's getting bigger and bigger and you need to come two days or so to see it all. There is always something new coming out. Everyone always has a better idea," Porter explained.

This year's event features ideas and innovation like Alpha Bot, a massive machine with 8 flying autonomous robots that pick fruit like apples, peaches, pears and more.

It was awarded as one of the Top 10 New products of the Ag Show this year and debuted on the first day.

"You have to see it to believe it. We are the only company in the world harvesting fruit with flying robots," said Danielle Efargan Hager, manager of Tevel Communications.

Last year, Tevel was at the World Ag Expo, highlighting one drone alone.

They are based out of Israel, and after learning what the need looked like in the United States, they adjusted.

"We understood that we needed a system for the US market in California and Washington for stone fruit. So, the last few months have been a full-on team effort, everything from robots to engineering to really create the product you see here," said Hagar.

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy was part of the opening ceremony and highlighted the importance of new equipment and technology that is changing the way farmers feed the world.

" When you listen to those top 10 awards, they came from across the world. We have taken the tradition of the past and applied it to a changing future," McCarthy said.

Thousands of people are expected to attend.

Preparations at the International Agri-Center have been underway for weeks.

Event organizers say this year, many vendors have expanded their booths and are offering more live demonstrations.

House Speaker and Bakersfield Congressman Kevin McCarthy and Representative David Valadao will be part of the ceremony.

The World Ag Expo runs through Thursday. Tickets are still available! You can purchase in person or here online.

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