One of the largest farm shows in the United States got underway Wednesday, with the 2014 Great Bend Farm & Ranch Expo. The show is taking place April 9-11 at the Expo Complex west of Great Bend.
Show manager Darren Dale said the number of exhibitors grew by 18 percent in this, the third year for the Farm & Ranch Show. There are more than 700 booths spread over 80 acres, with exhibitors from 27 states, Canada and Australia.
Scott Daily’s horse training demonstrations as well as sprayer demonstrations will be held all three days in the Expo III building.
Rep. Tim Huelskamp has a booth at the Expo and plans to conduct a town hall meeting from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday.
Unlike the start of the 2013 Farm & Ranch Expo, when it was downright cold, Wednesday’s morning chill had blown away by the time sponsors conducted a ribbon cutting at 10:30 a.m.
Great Bend Chamber of Commerce President Curt Mauler thanked the volunteers and their employers who allowed them to work at the Expo, saying, “without their help this would not be a possibility.” Show Chairman Jan Westfall was recognized for her “enthusiasm and passion.”
Great Bend Mayor Mike Allison welcomed everyone to the show, and was later heard touting some of the local attractions, including the Great Bend Sports Complex, Brit Spaugh Zoo and the Kansas Wetlands Education Center northeast of town on K-156. Although the Expo Complex has concessions, Allison said there is also a financial impact at businesses in town. “Motels fill up,” he said, and people visit the shops and restaurants.
Dale thanked the City and the Chamber for their continued support of the show.
“Great Bend is one-of-a-kind,” Dale said. “You have pride in the community and you have pride in this show – and it really shows.” He said more than 300 volunteers were involved. He presented two Volunteer of the Year awards, to Jim Vopat and Ron Koelsch, and presented the Ag Supporter of the Year award to the Barton County Fair, recognizing the work of the Fair Board. A Best Booth award would be presented later in the day.

Horse trainer
Scott Daily from Arkansas City provides daily horse training demonstrations in Expo III and promotes the American Hat Company, a corporate sponsor of the show. KSN is the other corporate sponsor.
Wednesday morning, Daily spent less than 30 minutes with a 2-year-old filly that was halter-broke only, and then he was in the saddle riding the horse. Eric Hammond brought the filly from Rosewood Ranch, Pawnee Rock.
Meanwhile, the Barton County Health Department offered free blood pressure and blood sugar tests, with daily drawings for prizes.
Thursday, K-State speaker Daniel O’Brien will speak at noon, and at 2 p.m. Dr. Tom Noffsinger will give a cattle herding presentation that includes applications of low-stress handling concepts.
Genex Cooperative Inc. will demonstrate chute-side service using portable breeding barns on Friday.
Daily sprayer demos have moved inside this year to Expo III.
Friday at 12:45 p.m., Trent Loos will have an entertaining program sponsored by AmericanAgCredit.
Parking and admission to the Great Bend Farm & Ranch Expo are free.