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Sprayer demos new for 2008 Michigan Ag Expo

By SHELLY STRAUTZ-SPRINGBORN
Michigan Correspondent

EAST LANSING, Mich. — Ag Expo, Michigan’s largest agricultural show, is back for its 29th year with traditional farm displays and activities, as well as special attractions for the whole family.

From farm implement displays and demonstrations to utility vehicle ride-and-drives, and new attractions such as demonstrations of sprayers, compact tractors and front-end loaders, the annual Ag Expo will offer hands-on education for the family July 15-17 at Michigan State University. The expo, sponsored by MSU’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR), will feature more than 250 exhibitors, including equipment, seed, fertilizer, building and service suppliers.

Visitors will see tractors, implements, trailers and other equipment, with the opportunity to talk with representatives from manufacturers, dealers and agencies. They also may learn about research, teaching and extension programs offered through MSU.
Ag Expo offers several new attractions this year, including a tent for vendors to conduct special educational programs.

“There will be presentations on biofuels and opportunities for Ag Expo visitors to earn RUP (restricted use pesticide) credits in this new area,” said Ag Expo Director Kirk Heinze. “There will be great new demonstrations and ride-and-drive events, but we’ll still feature many of the activities people have come to expect from Ag Expo, such as the CANR educational tent and the tractor pulls.”

The expo will feature two days of tractor-pulling contests. The garden tractor pulls are set to begin at noon July 15 and at 10 a.m. July 16 in the special events area.

Farmers looking for the latest technology in sprayer applications won’t want to miss the newest Ag Expo event: Side-by-side comparisons of self-propelled and pull-behind sprayers. The sprayer demonstrations will take place from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. daily during the show. Ag Expo Demonstrations Manager Tim Rogers said they will showcase such new features as automated boom height control, autosteer and advanced tracking systems.

“Many of these newer systems use ultrasonic sensors, hydraulics and sophisticated software to automatically adjust boom height with the terrain to improve application accuracy,” he said. “As a result, efficiency is improved because of reduced operator fatigue, averaging operating speeds are greater and rough fields can be sprayed at night.”

This demonstration offers an opportunity for producers to examine and contrast a variety of equipment before making an investment decision.

While at Ag Expo, private and commercial applicators also can earn pesticide applicator recertification credits by taking part in a sprayer calibration workshop from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. July 16.
The advance registration fee is $30 and will be $35 at the door. To register or for more information, visit www.pested.msu.edu/Training/AgExpo08.htm or call Carolyn Randall at 517-353-5147 or Sheryl Goodreau at 517-335-2873.
In addition, expo participants will have a chance to test their skills during the skid steer ride-and-drive and utility vehicle ride-and-drives throughout the three-day event. They also can learn about cattle handling and identification, tips for buying horse hay, participate in cooking demonstrations, celebrate the 100th birthday of Michigan’s 4-H program and more. Ag Expo will feature commercial and farm equipment from throughout the Midwest and several Canadian provinces on the 35-acre main site and 40-acre field demonstration area during the show.

The event runs from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. July 15-16 and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. July 17, at the corner of Farm Lane and Mount Hope Road on MSU’s East Lansing campus. Admission is free. Call 800-366-7055 or visit www.agexpo.msu.edu for more information or a complete list of Expo activities.

7/10/2008