After being forced to go virtual last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2021 Great Bend Farm, Ranch and Hemp Expo is scheduled to be in-person and is set for Wednesday, April 7, through Friday, April 9, said Tana Dale with Star Expos, the Bird City owner and promoter of the show.

“Plans are in place to host a live event this year,” Dale said. “We have had pretty good response from the vendors so far. Hopefully the world will start opening up more and more.”

The 10th-annual expo is being dubbed as the largest farm event in the United States dedicated to promoting agricultural technology. And, organizers are excited about adding hemp components. 

“Agriculture has been waiting a long time for this opportunity,” Darren Dale said. “Hemp production will allow producers to diversify their farming programs and create new markets. The benefits of hemp to the ag industry are massive for the future of agriculture. Commodity Exchanges are being created for both industrial and medical hemp products giving buyers, sellers and traders the place and tools to trade.”

In addition, many of the old standby exhibits and performers will return, Darren said. JD Wing, who is the head horse trainer for the Tee Cross Ranches will be back, as will Dr. Tom Noffsinger’s cattle handling demonstrations and presentation.

“Exhibitors include numerous cutting edge displays for farm and ranch equipment, seed and chemicals, agricultural services, irrigation manufacturers, financial providers, commodity organizations, colleges, governmental services, home services, furniture and art galleries, boutiques, hats, boots, and much more,” he said. “There truly will be something for everyone.”

Vendors can choose to upgrade and have their booth virtually as well. Also, anything on the stage will be online. 

The virtual shows will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 7, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. April 8, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 9.  

For more information, contact the Great Bend Farm and Ranch Expo office by calling 866-685-0989, cell 785-426-2092, or by email at dales@greatbendfarmandranchexpo.net.