History of Ag Expo

The New Mexico Ag Expo was conceived by Barry Barkley, an employee of C&S Oil, Inc, in Portales, NM., Barkley had participated in similar shows in Tulare, Calif.

He approached Gary Wiley, a member of Roosevelt County Board of Economic Development and Dallan Sanders, who was serving as director at the time, about having an annual agriculture trade show in Portales.

A steering committee was formed in 1992. Some of the members included: Dallan Sanders, Barry Barkley, Gary Wiley, Floyd McAlister, Chase Gentry, Randy McCasland, Bud Strong, Nancy Gentry and Winston Cox.

The first show was held March 4-5, 1993, at the Roosevelt County Fairgrounds. There were 75 exhibitors at the first two-day show.

Approaching its 12th year, the Ag Expo is organized by the Roosevelt County Chamber of Commerce, the Roosevelt County Community Development Corporation and the Roosevelt County Cooperative Extension Service.

The intent of the show is three fold: to bring the latest in products, technology and services to the ag industry of New Mexico; to promote the importance of agriculture in New Mexico; and to encourage new and existing businesses and industries to relocate and/or expand in New Mexico.

In 2003, more than 400 vendors exhibited their products, and more than 9,000 visitors attended. The goal for the 2004 Ag Expo is to exceed those numbers.

The event is held each year on the eighth week of the year. The 2004 Agriculture Exposition will be held Feb. 24-25.

For more information about the New Mexico Ag Expo, call (505) 356-8541 or (800) 635-8036, or email the expo at chamber@portales.com or check out the Ag Expo website at www.nmagexpo.com

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