Harvesting innovations, memories

Instead of anticipated rain, visitors to the Colusa Farm Show Tuesday were greeted by the latest in farming technology, most of it smelling of new rubber and polished steel, and looking more like transportable rides found in carnivals rather than equipment used in fields and orchards.

"I think that's why the kids love it," said Paul Stanley, of Cantrell Turf Equipment of Sacramento, shortly after Tuesday's opening. "Some of its pretty wild looking."

But Cantrell's power mowers weren't the only examples of the latest and greatest in farm equipment.

Pruning towers, topper headers, sweepers and sprayers were just some of the equipment intermingled among backhoes, combines, conveyers and risers.

"I got up early just to get here when the show opened," said Lester Smalley of Elk Grove. "The Colusa show is better than the one in Tulare because you can see everything in one day."

Smalley said he's amazed every year at the changes in equipment and the variety of services offered.

"Pretty soon you won't even need people," he joked. "You will be able to sit inside your house while your lawn is mowed, your crops are harvested and your trees are pruned."

But it isn't just modern equipment making a hit at the Colusa Farm Show, which continues through Thursday.

Sitting next to a vintage 1948 Ford 8N tractor and other New Holland equipment shown by Beeler Tractor, is the new Ford Boomer 8N, inspired by the look of the 1940s and 1950s.

"I love it," said John Magenheimer, a Yuba City farmer. "I love that it looks like the old tractors. Of course, my best truck is a 1938 GMC and my town car is a 1930 Model A. I'll never give up the past. It's because of the past that we have a future."

Chuck Davis, 80, has been coming to the farm show for more than 40 years.

With only a four-acre spread in Williams, the retired California Highway Patrol officer said he doesn't have much call for large equipment, but he's picked up a few things here and there over the years.

The vintage equipment, however, is among his favorite exhibits.

"I like looking at the old stuff," Davis said.

Within the first few hours of the show's opening, a steady stream of visitors entered the Colusa Farm Show through the front gates of the Colusa County Fairgrounds.

Despite the forecast of rain Wednesday, organizers expect crowds to remain steady during each of the remaining two days of the show, and perhaps even allowing people to spend more time enjoying indoor exhibits, seminars and demonstrations.

The Colusa Farm Show will feature a panel discussion on California water issues today and the third annual commodity cook-off and new Dutch-oven competition on Thursday.

WHAT: Colusa Farm Show
WHEN: Today, Thursday
TIME: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
WHERE: Colusa County Fairgrounds, 1303 10th St., Colusa
ADMISSION: Free admission, free parking

Contact Susan Meeker at 458-2121 or smeeker@tcnpress.com.