Inaugural All Florida Ag Show Impresses
April 30, 2012 
Farming professionals from across the Sunshine State — including fruit and vegetable producers, citrus growers/packers, cattle ranchers, and other related industry advocates — flocked to the Highlands County Fair Convention Center in Sebring last week for the first All Florida Ag Show. More than 1,000 people walked the tradeshow floor over the course of the two-day event presented by Florida Grower and the Highlands County Farm Bureau.
The joint venture behind the All Florida Ag Show worked to create an event that would bring the state’s diverse agricultural sectors together in one place to learn from each other. An educational program covering broad industry related issues provided the base for the Show to build around. Topics such as water policy, consumer trends, marketing your farm using social media, and the future of protected agriculture were discussed. In addition, sessions on alternative crop options (blueberries, peaches, and pomegranates) drew much interest from the crowd.
Panel sessions featuring heavy hitters from the citrus industry, the biofuel arena, as well as leaders of the major state ag associations (FFVA, FNGLA, Florida Citrus Mutual, and the Florida Cattlemen’s Association) represented the depth of coverage and reach the first All Florida Ag Show had to offer.
In addition, an expansive tradeshow exhibit area inside and outside the facility featured more than 100 industry suppliers showcasing some of the latest equipment, products, supplies, and services.
“I’m very satisfied with the turnout, and most importantly, the comments of attendees and exhibitors about the quality of speakers and producers that were there buying what was displayed,” says Mike Waldron, Highlands County Farm Bureau. “That’s the key to successful shows in the future.”
Florida Grower Publisher Gerry Bogdon agrees, and is looking forward to watching the event grow. “We all worked really hard to ensure its success and are excited about the Show’s potential.”