It's time for the Farm Show

The oldest farm show in the West is back for the 41st time.

Fifty-two acres of machinery and exhibitors are expected to attract more than 40,000 people to the Colusa Farm Show at the Colusa County Fairgrounds from Feb. 7 to 9, according to Dave Zwald, the show's chairman.

You don't have to run a farm to enjoy the show, Zwald said. Even modest gardeners can find tools and plants for their plots.

The ag show will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.

For the most part, the show is aimed at keeping its farming patrons on the cutting edge of agriculture by demonstrating the latest in farm products, such as no-till machinery, Zwald said.

Farm adviser Tom Aldrich started the granddaddy of farm shows to impart information about new technology and techniques to Northern California farmers.

Now, visitors can take wagon rides past 250 exhibits of new products, services, and farming equipment and techniques.

Agricultural economist Scott Rozelle is scheduled give the keynote speech at the Feb. 8 breakfast. He will talk about the potential market impact of Chinese crop advances on California markets.

The breakfast is put on by alumni of California Ag Leadership Program, California State University, Chico, and Alpha Gamma Rho. Tickets are $15 and can be bought at the door or by calling 898-6343.

The show is one of three its size in the state, but it is the only one that offers free parking and admission.

The Colusa County Fairgrounds are at 1303 10th St., Colusa.

Admission and parking are free. For more information, call the fairgrounds at 458-2641; or log on to www.thefarmshow.com.

Appeal-Democrat reporter Eve Hightower can be reached at 749-4724. You may e-mail her at ehightower@appeal-democrat.com.