The 2020 World Ag Expo kicked off in Tulare on Tuesday, February 11, with an opening ceremony which featured American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) President Zippy Duvall, marking the first time that he was able to spend time at the event. Duvall was able to spend some time walking around the grounds and see some of the latest technologies that are being showcased during the event.
“I always enjoy talking to farmers, regardless of where they come from,” Duvall told AgNet West. “But this is a special place in our country.”
During the opening ceremonies, Duvall addressed attendees with excitement for the future of agriculture, highlighting the critical work that farmers and ranchers do not only for the country but the entire world. Duvall highlighted the even bigger role that agriculture will play moving forward as populations continue to grow and food supplies will need to grow with them.
The day prior Duvall was able to tour several agricultural operations in Fresno County, marking the first time in nearly 20 years that the current AFBF President spent time in the area. Some of the stops on the tour included the Fresno State Farm, Fowler Packing, Vang Thao’s Farm with UCCE Fresno and Sun-Maid. Duvall noted that it was great to meet with Central Valley farmers and hear about their concerns and see first-hand how area growers operate.
“I went and learned about raisins. I saw some Asian food being grown, early spring food and then of course mandarins and table grapes. I got to see them packing some mandarins,” said Duvall. “Just beautiful fruit and beautiful people; just great hospitality.”
Duvall also noted that he and the rest of the AFBF will be back again at the beginning of next year, with the AFBF Annual Convention and Trade Show being held in California once again in January 2021. “We’re excited about that. Our people love to come to the west coast especially San Diego because the weather’s normally good and the hospitality’s great,” Duvall noted.
American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall and California Farm Bureau President Jamie Johansson stand for a photo op with the California FFA State Officers 
American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall at the World Ag Expo 2020 Opening Ceremonies 
AgNet West’s Brian German interviewing John Deere about yield map technology for specialty crop growers. 
AgNet West’s Danielle Leal interviewing CFBF President Jamie Johansson at World Ag Expo 2020 
Heavy traffic at the World Ag Expo Hemp Pavilion. 
World Ag Expo 2020 
AgNet West’s Danielle Leal interviewing a local agriculture teacher about bringing his students to World Ag Expo. 
Fresno State’s WET Center pitch competition at World Ag Expo
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