As with any inaugural event, after the excitement wears off and the exhibitors go home, there is much to be done to improve and grow for the second event. The 2nd Annual Great Bend Farm & Ranch Expo will return to our community April 10-12, 2013 – bigger and better than ever. The 500+ exhibitors from 27 states and Canada and Australia spread out over 80 acres draw thousands of spectators to the annual event, which takes place at the Great Bend Expo Complex located 2.5 miles west of Great Bend’s City limits on West Barton County Road.

Several new attractions will be added to the show schedule, including K-State Women’s seminars being held at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. daily. In addition, “Entertainment to the Max” with Max Reynolds will perform rope and bull whip tricks, an act for which he has been nominated three times for Specialty Act of the Year. Every day at 1 p.m., spectators can see sprayer and combine demonstrations at the southeast corner of the South runway, showing how the machines work and offering application techniques in a live demo situation. Seating and audio are provided.

 

On Wednesday, April 10th at 12 p.m., the Barton County Young Professionals group will present a special program on a new drone crop surveillance technology featuring Dr. Kevin Price from the KSU Agronomy Department. Then Thursday at 1 p.m., Genex Cooperative Inc. will demonstrate chute-side service using portable breeding barns, a convenient and cost effective tool for large operations. All indoor presentations take place in the Expo III building.

Another popular part of the premiere agricultural show is always the concessions, which have grown proportionately with the popular show. A new refreshment tent at the end of the south runway will give attendees the opportunity to sit and rest in the shade while they listen to the classic sounds of Jimbo Darville & the Truckadours.

Admission and Parking are free to the public.