World Ag Expo opens Tuesday in Tulare

Towering tractors, juicy steak sandwiches and more technology than you can imagine are awaiting visitors of the World Ag Expo that opens Tuesday in Tulare.

The ag expo is brimming with more than 1,500 exhibitors showcasing the latest in agriculture innovation. Held on the grounds of the International Agri-Center, the event attracts an estimated 100,000 vistiors during its three-day run that ends on Thursday.

Vendors and visitors come from all over the nation and world to attend the event that also includes seminars, farm tours and food booths.

Exhibitor Orchard Rite of Washington state has come to the expo for years, selling its line of wind machines and tree shakers. The company supplies nearly 75 percent of the wind machines sold in the world. And it is seeing its sales rise, especially in California.

“With the water troubles that farmers have been having, a lot more are turning to wind machines for frost protection,” said Jeff Thorning, sales manager for Pacific Distributors, a division of Orchard Rite. “And we are also seeing more acres of citrus being planted in areas that are prone to frost.”

Expo visitors can expect clear skies and warm temperatures through the run of the show. Highs are expected in the mid-70s.

This story was originally published February 8, 2016 at 4:19 PM with the headline "World Ag Expo opens Tuesday in Tulare."