SOS Classified News Hits the World Ag Expo 2025: A Small Paper’s Big Adventure

TULARE, CA—For a small publication like SOS Classified News, stepping into the World Ag Expo was like walking into a whole new world—one packed with cutting-edge technology, industry powerhouses, and a whole lot of appreciation for the agricultural community. Thanks to the generosity of Megan Lausten, Marketing Manager for the Expo, we had the incredible opportunity to experience one of the biggest agricultural trade shows on the planet.

If you’ve never heard of the World Ag Expo, here’s the scoop: Held every year in Tulare, California, this event is a major deal for farmers, ranchers, and agriculture pros from all over. What started as the California Farm Equipment Show back in 1968 has now turned into a massive international expo, bringing together thousands of exhibitors and attendees eager to see the latest and greatest in farming innovation.

We spent the day exploring 2.6 million square feet of exhibits—yes, you read that right! From high-tech irrigation systems and self-driving tractors to mind-blowing dairy equipment, it was like stepping into the future of farming. Big names like John Deere, Case IH, and Kubota showed off their latest machinery, while smaller, cutting-edge startups introduced game-changing solutions to help farmers boost efficiency and sustainability.

The welding industry was also in the spotlight, showing just how important it is for keeping farm equipment in top shape. Miller and Lincoln Electric had some impressive displays, but what really caught Sal’s eye was Barnes Welding from Fresno, Ca. and Coast Pipe, Paso Robles, Ca. Sal was especially excited to catch up with an old friend, Ron Alves of PRW Steel Supply in Paso Robles, Ca (a division of Mid Valley Pipe in Tulare.)

Beyond the equipment, the Expo was packed with knowledge-sharing opportunities. Experts gave talks on water conservation, crop management, and livestock care, addressing the real-world challenges farmers face today. Connecting with these industry pros gave us a whole new level of appreciation for the hard work and dedication that goes into modern farming.

One of the most mind-blowing aspects? The sheer number of countries represented. I (Paulette) was absolutely amazed to see visitors and exhibitors from places like Jordan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and even China. It was incredible to witness the global collaboration in agriculture—everyone working together toward the same goal. We saw everything from drip irrigation systems and innovative packaging solutions to fertilizers made from kelp and compost created from almond waste and coconut shells. And the machinery? Absolutely massive! Towering tractors, autonomous equipment, and drones—it felt like something straight out of a sci-fi movie. I walked away with a newfound respect for farmers and the people who keep the world fed. If you’ve never been to this event, trust me, it’s worth experiencing at least once!

For us at SOS Classified News, covering the World Ag Expo wasn’t just another assignment—it was an unforgettable adventure. Getting a front-row seat to the future of farming, meeting industry leaders, and bringing all this insight back to our readers was an absolute privilege.

A huge thank you to Megan Lausten and the entire World Ag Expo team for making this possible. The Expo continues to push agriculture forward, and we’re honored to have been part of it this year. You can bet we’ll be back next year to see what’s next in the world of agriculture!