The Four States Agricultural Exposition organizers couldnt have asked for better weather for their event, at least for its first days. Sunny days with highs in the 60s and a breeze rather than a howling wind serve to draw people to the fairgrounds, especially knowing that winter may return tomorrow.
Even if it does, the ag expo is a good place to be this weekend, and theres plenty to keep visitors busy and interested, both outdoors and in. Anyone interested in agriculture in the Four Corners region should plan to visit the expo, and that should be nearly everyone because of the industrys prominence in the culture and economy of the area.
Conceived as a place where farmers and ranchers could gather new information and share ideas with one another, the event also is a golden opportunity to bring not only greater understanding but closer relationships between those in the ag community and those who dont consider themselves closely linked to it. The expo showcases both the depth and breadth of local agriculture, and theres a lot more to it than city dwellers would suspect. From horsedrawn implements and antique tractors to the latest in computer technology, and from community supported organic agriculture to more common hay and beans, cattle and horses, local producers feed a lot of people.
Their work is complemented by a variety of organizations and businesses that provide the goods and services to keep farms and ranches running smoothly: ag lenders, implement and seed dealers, state and federal agencies, educational and research institutions and many others. The expo is a good one-stop way to learn more about how all that works together. The world is changing, and ag producers are changing to meet new challenges.
Theres also time for friends and neighbors to sit and chat, because many of them will be in the same place. Grab a burger at the concession stand (theyre great!) and watch a horse-training session or wander among the tractors. Even those not needing to train a horse or buy a tractor will find that the atmosphere lends itself to congenial conversation.
Its also just plain fun. Almost all the vendors have information to tuck into a totebag and take home to digest at leisure. Many of them also have gifts for those who stop by their booths. Balloons for the children, flyswatters, yardsticks, inkpens, free samples theres a lot of cool stuff to be had.
Last but not least, the ag expo is an opportunity for community members to show their appreciation and support for local producers. Saying thanks is never a bad idea.
Expo organizers also deserve thanks for keeping the event in Montezuma County, because its both a wonderful educational and social event and a significant draw for local businesses. They have put together another high-quality show, well worth the price of admission. Dont pass up this opportunity.