Agricultural producers, enthusiasts and industry experts made their way over (or through) the snowy Sierra Nevadas to sunny Tulare, California, for the annual World Ag Expo Feb. 13-15. With the theme “Best Farm Show on Dirt,” the international ag show offered seminars, exhibits, demonstrations, tours and more for attendees to enjoy during their time in the Central Valley.
The Farm Credit Dairy Center was full of dairy enthusiasts interested in learning about the latest technologies available. A steady stream of attendees wandered the barn each day bringing many lively conversations. Companies displayed new products, technologies and software during the trade show, with a heavy focus on automation and precision technology.
Dairy seminars during the event focused on sustainability within the industry. Researchers with the University of California – Davis (UC – Davis) and the University of California Cooperative Extension discussed surveys and efforts being done with soil, air and manure to mitigate methane emissions in central California. UC – Davis’ CLEAR lab continues to work on investigating feed additives as a method of controlling methane emissions. Other seminars included pre-weaning calf management, manure monetization, challenges and benefits of raising alfalfa in the West, and additional livestock-focused seminars.
Industry experts and producers made their way to a session focused on milk prices for 2024 from Rabobank Agrifinance – the outlook for the remainder of the year seems similar to what dairy producers experienced in 2023, with hopes that the fourth quarter will see an increase in milk prices.
A local California dairy farmer shows tourists an almond that found its way into TMR via almond hulls that are fed as a byproduct. Photo by Matti McBride.
