Farm Show begins Tuesday

The Colusa County Fairgrounds will bustle with activity throughout the weekend in preparation of the 46th annual Farm Show.

Giant tractors and heavy-duty farm equipment began rolling off the trucks Friday, with set up continuing through Monday.

"We expect about 40,000 people to come through our gates during the Farm Show," said Carolan Meek, Colusa County Fairgrounds chief executive officer. "We have over 250 vendors, showcasing the latest in services and products."

The Colusa Farm Show, which unveils Tuesday, has been held in the same location for 46 years, and is a model for similar shows in the 11 western states.

Gates open at 9 a.m. daily through Thursday.

In addition to a showcase of farm equipment, the Farm Show features informative seminars, great food and product demonstrations, organizers said.

"You better get here early and plan to spend a day or two," said Terry Bressler, vice president of the 44th District Agricultural Association board. "The Farm Show is better and larger than ever before."

First billed as the Sacramento Valley Orchard Machinery Fair in 1966, the three-day Farm Show has been a scene of continuing success for exhibitors and guests, many who have been participating for decades.

Doug Campone, of Valley Power Products, said the engine and transmission company of West Sacramento has been coming to the Colusa show for at least 20 years.

"We've met a lot of great customers here," Campone said. "They know what they want and they know what we can do for them. They love to see us come back year after year."

For 41 years, Colusa Tractor's John Deere equipment has been a familiar sight at the show.

"We are a Colusa company, but it's good to be here," said Dan Emery. "Our customers get to see all the newest stuff."

Making its debut at the Colusa Farm Show will be Colusa County Bounty, the small retail outlet of Colusa County Chamber of Commerce Business and Visitors Center.

The booth, located just inside the northwest door of the Main Exhibit Building, will feature products produced in Colusa County, such as almond butter, olives, beans, rice, nuts, honey and bread mixes.

"I think this is another terrific opportunity to get the word out about Colusa County and its international importance," Chamber Director Lynda Reynolds said in a statement. "We really do feed the world."

The Colusa Farm Show will feature several seminars this year, including Farming for Wildlife, hosted by Colusa County Resource Conservation District, and one on time varying pricing for agriculture customers, hosted by Pacific Gas and Electric Company, both on Tuesday.

Family Water Alliance will be back for a third year with a panel discussion on issues impacting agriculture on Wednesday, and the California Highway Patrol, Chem Source and Community Foundation will host events during the show's three-day run.

Bressler said Farm Show guests should expect a great breakfast at 7 a.m. on Wednesday at St. Bernadette's Hall on Ware Avenue across from the fairgrounds.

Chico State University College of Agriculture and the California Leadership Foundation host the event, which will feature California Farm Bureau Federation President Greg Wenger as the keynote speaker.

For more information, visit the Colusa County Farm Show special publication.