Staff Reports
One of the largest farm trade shows in the region, Ag Expo 2019, will kick off Friday and Saturday, Jan. 18-19, at the Black River Coliseum in Poplar Bluff. Six thousand people attended last year's two-day event.
The expo, sponsored by Butler County University of Missouri Extension Council and the Ag Club of Three Rivers College for 33 years, promotes agriculture, said Stephanie Milner with University of Missouri Extension in Butler County. Wanting to advocate for farmers, the extension council and TRC decided since farmers are not as busy in the winter, they, as well as others, would enjoy the activity.
"There will be 118 booths available to visit and learn first-hand about agriculture and its importance to the economy," Milner said. "If you are an ag related business consider becoming a vendor before Dec. 31, 2018 to receive a discount price for the booth. The expo also will feature outdoor exhibits."
Milner said the two days will be packed with activities for the whole family. Entertainment and events include line dancing and clogging, agriculture demonstrations and a beauty pageant. There will be two different tractor contests: the toy tractor pedal pull contest for youth ages 4 to 9 and the FFA tractor driving contest sponsored by local tractor dealers.
The expo will also feature a petting farm, an old-time auction, a milking contest and free health screening.
The Pesticide Applicator Training will be held at the Expo at 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 18.
The Poplar Bluff Master Gardeners will sponsor the Kids Gardening Adventure on Saturday morning, and the 4-H will sponsor a Youth and Agriculture educational program Saturday afternoon.
Mark your calendar to attend the Ag Expo and plan to bring the whole family, said Milner. Admission is $1 for adults. College students and youth are admitted free.
For more information, to purchase booth space and to register for the beauty pageant, contact the University of Missouri Extension Center, 614 Lindsay Ave., Suite 3, Poplar Bluff at 573-686-8064 or at butlerco@missouri.edu or visit extension's website at shttp://extension.missouri.edu/butler.