(The Center Square) – Thousands of agriculture enthusiasts from three states are expected to converge on Macomb in February for Western Illinois University Ag Mech Club’s 52nd annual Farm Expo.
The event is free to families, students and anyone else who wants to know the latest farming technology, check out the crafts vendors, or let their children burn off some energy in the bounce house, after face painting.
Andrew Baker, director of the WIU School of Agriculture, shared the details of the event with The Center Square.
“We’re super excited to be able to offer the Ag Expo to the community and especially the region as well,” he said. “This gives us an opportunity to highlight our department and, of course, the agricultural industry that certainly is the backbone of our region.”
Those interested should mark their calendars for 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 17 from and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 18 in WIU’s Western Hall.
The expo will highlight the research of faculty and students and feature numerous displays with information on tractors and machinery, livestock, crop suppliers, farm buildings, conservation and more.
“It’s a good time for us to just kind of celebrate all the innovations in the agricultural industry,” Baker said, describing the expo’s impact on economic development for Macomb. “We do a lot of things with the community, and this is one of our bigger events.”
While the pandemic was a setback, this year as many as 5,000 people are anticipated, continuing a tradition started in 1970 by Dr. Ed Bree, former faculty advisor for the AG Mech Club.
“The pandemic certainly put a wrench in that for us for about three years, but this will be the 52nd AG Expo,” he said.
WIU alumni also will want to note the Aggies and Friends social on Feb. 17 sponsored by Big Iron at Park Place restaurant in Macomb, where distinguished agricultural classmates will be honored.
