KMPH Fox 26 Central San Joaquin Valley News Source in Fresno, California Entertainment, News, Sports and Weather | Ag Expo Kicks Off in Tulare

Ag Expo Kicks Off in Tulare

By: Ashley Ritchie

On opening day at the World Ag Expo in Tulare, the only thing outnumbering raindrops seemed to be visitors.

"The rain is coming down, but the guests are still coming in the gates," Steve Knudsen, Director of Communications for the International Agri Center, said.

"I love rain. We're from Oregon," Victoria Gagnon, Trimble Mobile Computing Solutions, said.

"I love it. I'm used to it. It's how I work everyday," Brandon Collins said.

Also braving the elements was Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, who recognized some of this year's innovations as potential solutions to Valley issues.

"We've seen water purification plants and equipment. We've seen water conservation equipment that conserves water up to 40%. Those are the kinds of things we need to do to in order conserve energy, in order to conserve water, in order to put out less greenhouse emissions," Schwarzenegger said.

About 40,000 products are on display, including Trimble Mobile Computing Solutions, manufactured handheld computers and PDA's designed for the field, not the office.

"Our product really is one of a kind," Gagnon said.

And maybe it's the kind that saves a little cash as well.

"Our product actually saves time and money that is what you need when times are a little bit rough," Gagnon said.

And with two more days to go, expo enthusiasts are taking in their favorite parts.

"The big machines, like that cotton picker over there," Volunteer Lindon Crow said.

"Probably all the free stuff I get, the free Copenhagen," Collins said.

"To me it's amazing. It's part of the education all students and I think all grown–ups should have.," Volunteer Sandy Crow said.

There's about 2.6 million square feet of show ground to check out, with 1,600 exhibitors.

The expo runs Tuesday through Thursday.

Tickets are $12 for general admission.