Every February, over 100,000 people from around the world visit Tulare County, California to attend the World Ag Expo. We met with Megan Lawson to learn more about what to expect at the annual event.

Where is the World Ag Expo located?

The annual World Ag Expo is held at the International Agri-Center in Tulare, California. So, how did a mid-sized town (population 77,000) attract such a massive event? Situated towards the Southern end of the Central Valley in California, Tulare County is one of the state’s most productive agricultural counties, and the number one dairy producing county in the United States. Megan Lawson, marketing manager for the International AgriCenter (and a Tulare County native) adds, “We have a lot to be proud of. What a better place to draw people from all over the world than right here in Tulare.” 

Innovation in action: What to see + do at the World Ag Expo

While the World Ag Expo’s audience is mainly comprised of farmers, ranchers and agricultural professionals, Megan encourages anyone who is interested in learning more about agriculture to attend.

She notes, “Our mission is connecting people through agriculture and ag education. That’s what we pride ourselves on here. People can expect to see lots of innovation and technology around agriculture at the World Ag Expo. We see around 1200 exhibitors and between 70 to 80 different countries represented at the show, between both exhibitors and attendees. And so we’re just really proud to be able to showcase what agriculture has, what it brings to the table, and draw people from all over the world here to Tulare.”

Explore the exhibits and learn more about the latest agricultural technology

Visiting the booths at the World Ag Expo is an incredible way to witness the confluence of cutting-edge technology and agriculture. If you’re in the industry, or have specific interests, it’s easy enough to narrow down a few of your targets. However, if it’s your first time attending the World Ag Expo, or you just want to learn more about some of the coolest emerging tech or the latest innovations, start with the World Ag Expo’s Top Ten New Products Contest Winners. 

Attend a seminar at the new Women’s Conference Pavilion

Once you’ve trekked through a few hundred of the exhibits, head to the new Women’s Conference Pavilion. The facility hosts panels, networking sessions and even live demonstrations.

During the 2026 World Ag Expo, some featured events included: Ag Media and Leadership, Professional Development, and Advancements in Ag Tech. California Secretary of Food and Agriculture, Karen Ross was the guest of honor at a special event celebrating the International Year of the Woman Farmer that included CA GROWN cooking demonstrations – and of course lots of samples! 

CA GROWN Creators, Aida Mollenkamp and Alison Needham, shared a few simple, delicious ways to enjoy California produce while chatting about some of the 400+ specialty crops grown in the Golden State. 

Visit the Ag Career and Education Pavilion

Agriculture is a 60+ billion dollar industry in California – offering countless career pathways that extend beyond traditional farming. If you’re interested in exploring career opportunities within agriculture or agriculture related industries, visit the Ag Career and Education Pavilion to meet with representatives from colleges, universities and technical schools. 

Set off on an AgVenture!

Younger kids will get a kick out of the AgVentures! Learning Center. Here, interactive exhibits help kids learn about where their food comes from and connect agriculture to their daily lives. Don’t miss the Antique Farm Equipment Museum, where you can witness the evolution of agricultural tools and technology. 

Check out the food booths -if you need an excuse, it’s for a good cause!

While you’re at the farm show, grab a bite at one of the food booths. Locals rave about the offerings – think tri-tip sandwiches, tacos and more – but many people don’t realize that every single meal sold benefits the local community. Megan explains, “All of our food booths are run by nonprofit organizations. Consistently, over the past couple of years, collectively, they’ve actually raised over a million dollars. So we’re really happy to be able to do that for our local community.” So, splurge on another sandwich and say yes to the loaded baked potato – after all, it’s for a good cause. 

When is the World Ag Expo held annually?

The World Ag Expo begins on the second Tuesday of February each year. Next year, the 2027 Ag Expo will take place February 9-11.

How to get tickets for the World Ag Expo

Tickets to the World Ag Expo can be purchased online or at the entrance gates. 

Women in Ag Spotlight: Megan Lawson

Did you know 2026 is the International Year of the Woman Farmer? While farming is definitely an important part of California’s thriving agricultural sector, there are countless additional roles that are essential to the industry. 

Megan serves as the marketing manager at the International Agri Center, the non-profit organization that hosts World Ag Expo. She oversees all of the marketing, graphic design, and social media posts that help to ensure the show’s success. 

Megan combines her marketing expertise with real-life agriculture experience. She notes, “I’ve always grown up with agriculture.I grew up as a 4H and FFA kid. Both sides of my family had dairies – it is in my roots per se. Really, agriculture just feels like home to me. The people in the field are very welcoming.” 

To women looking to pursue a career in agriculture, Megan advises, “I think it’s really important for women in agriculture to lean on each other, to meet people, to network, to connect. I think a big piece of advancing your career or yourself is really educating yourself – and what better way to do that than leaning on your peers, women that are also in the industry, in the field that you can talk back and forth with and really get advice from.”

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Article by Hilary Rance. Photography by James Collier and Hilary Rance.