Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities

Array of events on tap for Ag Expo

Freedom New Mexico: Argen Duncan Clay Bailey of Edgewood rides Abrams, the longhorn steer, at the Roosevelt County Fairgrounds on Monday. He and Fred Balmer of Folsom plan to ride longhorn steers during the Ag Expo today and Wednesday, and have two younger steers for petting.

Cowboys riding ... longhorn steers? You gotta be kidding.

No, the 17th annual Ag Expo features just that and more 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday at the Roosevelt County Fairgrounds.

Event manager Sharon King, executive director of the Roosevelt County Chamber of Commerce, said the expo’s importance is “to bring new technology and services in agriculture to our area.”

Here’s a look at this year’s Ag Expo:

Longhorn cattle: Clay Bailey of Edgewood and Fred Balmer of Folsom ride two large longhorn steers and have two younger, smaller steers for petting. They also offer information about the animals.

They’re available all day around the fairgrounds and in the beef barn.

Horses: Paraplegic horse trainer Michael Richardson is appearing for the second year. He has a positive way of communicating with horses, according to Chamber information.

Richardson is giving a presentation at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tuesday in the Show Arena.

Dogs: Stock dog trainer Orin Barnes is to work one-on-one with 15 dogs and their owners, according to Chamber information. The public is invited to watch.

Antique tractors: Fifteen to 20 antique tractors are to make their appearance at the expo in parades and games, said Cindy Huffman, who organized those events. The games included a barrel push, a candy drop and a chain game.

“The Ag Expo is to show off new equipment and new things that are going on in agriculture, and the antique tractors are to show how far agriculture has come,” Huffman said.

Comfort food: County Extension Home Economist Connie Moyers presents “Comfort Food-Remade” to show how to make old favorite dishes with less fat and fewer calories. Attendees will be able to sample some recipes, according to the Chamber.

Agriculture security: Two presentations on agriculture security and related topics are scheduled.

Ron Parker of the New Mexico Livestock Board is to talk about what animal identification and country of origin labeling mean to national security and the average producer.

Also, Kircher said State Livestock Board veterinarian Dr. Dave Fly is to discuss the state’s status on various animal diseases.

“And then he’ll talk about the broader scheme of what animal health means in the country and what it means to be conscious of animal health issues from a national standpoint,” Kircher said.