By SHELLY STRAUTZ-SPRINGBORN
Michigan Correspondent

EAST LANSING, Mich. — Ag Expo, Michigan’s largest agricultural show, is back for its 28th year with traditional farm displays and activities as well as special attractions for the whole family.

From traditional farm implement displays and demonstrations to utility vehicle ride-and-drives, and new attractions such as feed processing and mixing equipment and high-tech livestock handling demonstrations, the Ag Expo will offer hands-on education and more from July 17-19 at Michigan State University (MSU).

The Expo, sponsored by MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, 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.

Ag Expo will offer several new attractions this year such as a robotic cow milking unit, side-by-side comparisons of telehandlers and feed processing and mixing equipment, as well as a free petting exhibit compliments of the Michigan Equine Partnership.

Other new attractions will include an MSU wetland tour, slurry seeding manure application demonstration, the plant doctor and much more.

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.

Returning for the third year, the utility vehicle ride-and-drive will be a daily attraction. All participants will be signed up for a chance to win a pair of MSU basketball or football tickets. Because of liability issues, participants must be at least 18 years of age to test equipment.

The event also will feature a number of educational exhibits from MSU colleges and departments.

“Ag Expo is a great event with a proud history,” said Director Kirk Heinze. “We are in our 28th year on the MSU campus and, as always, are working hard to offer an event that gives visitors the chance to see the latest services, products and tools that are available to farmers and homeowners.

“Most importantly, we have the chance to showcase some of the many research, teaching and Extension programs that MSU provides for Michigan communities, agriculture and natural resources.”

To kick-off the festivities, the annual Ag Expo breakfast is set for 7 a.m., July 17.

The FFA Tractor Driving Contest, sponsored by Kubota Tractor Corp., is one of the first items on the agenda at Ag Expo. Starting at 9 a.m. July 17, Michigan FFA members will test their tractor driving skills and safety knowledge during the contest.

Participants will take a written quiz on tractor safety and maintenance and then demonstrate their knowledge of safe driving skills.

The participants will have to navigate a trailer or wagon through a course marked by posts with golf balls on top.

“The tractor driving contest is one of the many activities sponsored by the FFA to encourage members to develop their potential for personal growth, premier leadership and career success,” said Dave Wyrick, Michigan FFA state executive secretary.

GreenStone Farm Credit Services also will help benefit the FFA by featuring a dunk tank fundraiser at its Ag Expo exhibit on USDA Drive. GreenStone will donate $5 to the Michigan FFA each time a GreenStone staff member is dunked. The dunk tank is scheduled to operate on July 17-18 from 10-11 a.m., noon to 1 p.m. and 2-3 p.m. and on July 19 from 10-11 a.m. and noon to 2 p.m.

Other opening-day attractions will include wetland tours, the plant doctor, the MSU Entomology Department’s 100th birthday celebration, cooking demonstrations, livestock handling demonstrations, seminars on Improving and Maintaining Your Pond or Lake and Fish Stocking Strategies for Your Pond or Lake both by Harrietta Hills Trout Farm, zero-turn mower demonstrations and more.

Back by popular demand, the antique garden and tractor pull has been expanded to two days this year, July 17-18, at the west end of the show grounds. The garden tractor pull will get under way at noon on July 17 and the antique tractors will start pulling at 10 a.m. on July 18.

Both events are sponsored by John Deere and the Leslie Tractor Club.

Warren Townsend, the event’s director, welcomes everyone to participate. Sign up will begin two hours before the start of each day’s pull. Last year more than 350 tractors participated.

Free well water testing will be offered throughout the three-day event. The Michigan Groundwater Stewardship Program (MGSP) and the Michigan Department of Agriculture will screen drinking water for Expo visitors.

Anyone wishing to provide a sample may pick up a bottle from their local MSU Extension or Conservation District Office or bring samples in small clean jars to the MGSP booth. Screening results will be mailed to participants following the Expo.

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 three-day show.

The event runs from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 17, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 18 and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 19 at corner of Farm Lane and Mount Hope Road on Michigan State University’s (MSU) East Lansing campus. Admission is free.

Call 1-800-366-7055 or visit www.ag expo.msu.edu for additional information.