Ag Expo 2015, one of the largest farm trade shows in the Mid-South, is scheduled for Jan. 30-31 at the Black River Coliseum in Poplar Bluff, Mo. This is the 29th year of Ag Expo, sponsored by Butler County University of Missouri Extension Council and the Ag Club of Three Rivers College.

There will be 118 booths to visit and learn first-hand about agriculture and its importance to the economy.  The expo will also feature outdoor exhibits. Ten thousand people attended last year’s event. Admission is $1 for adults; there will be free admission for college students and youth. The event will be held Friday, Jan. 30, from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday, Jan., 31 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The two days are packed with activities for the whole family.  Entertainment and events include gospel, jazz, and contemporary music; line dancing and clogging; agriculture seminars; and beauty pageants. There will be two different tractor contests: the toy tractor pedal pull contest for youth ages 4 to 9 and the FFA tractor driving contest sponsored by local tractor dealers. The expo will also feature a petting farm; an old-time auction; a milking contest; an ag photography contest; and baking contest.

The Pesticide Applicator Training will be held at the Expo on Friday afternoon starting at 2:30 p.m.

There will be a duck calling contest for adults and youth on Friday evening starting at 6 p.m.  Three additional features this year will be the Kids Gardening Adventure by the Master Gardeners on Saturday morning; a Youth Farm Safety educational program sponsored by 4-H held on Saturday afternoon; and a 4-H and FFA Public Speaking Contest Saturday morning.

For more information, to purchase booth space, and to register for the beauty pageant, contact the University of Missouri Extension Center, 222 North Broadway, Poplar Bluff, (573) 686-8064 or [email protected] or go to http://extension.missouri.edu/butler.