You would have to be a country fool to miss this year’s Four States Ag Expo, concluding today at the Montezuma County Fairgrounds.

Featuring all aspects of the farm and ranching industry and every conceivable industry product and animal, the 18th annual event is a true symbol of the agricultural roots of the Southwest.

"It is the largest show in the region; visitors and vendors come from all over the country to keep up on what’s new and to learn about different areas of the business," said Bob Bragg, Ag-Expo manager.

With the constant twang of pop-country music floating through the various booths and animal barns, visitors will delight in the variety of things to see and do. Browse among exhibits of tractors, horse trailers, combines, semi-trucks, and other farm equipment. Or head for the fairground barns and mingle with every sort of farm and ranch creature — all the standards, plus some unique breeds like the miniature horses, llamas or the midget goats.

Old hands from here and across the Four Corners come to buy equipment and supplies, make contacts and mingle with friends. Newcomers to the business, like Bob Jordan from Dolores, can take the opportunity to set up shop.

"I don’t farm now but I plan to start growing alfalfa, or at least try," he said. "Right now I’m looking for a tractor and everything else, so this is the best place to see what’s available."

Sandy Johnson, a cattle rancher from Fry Canyon, Utah, near Lake Powell, came to purchase supplies and check out new equipment.

"I’m pricing cattle chutes and found a couple different options," Johnson said. "We come out every year to support the show, see what’s new. Next we’re going to check out some of these horse trailers."

Educational forums on farming and ranching cater to all experience levels and will be going on today also. Check out seminars and workshops on alternative crops, tree seedlings, farm medic training, horse and cattle training, and the seven crises in agriculture. Schedules are available at the event. Most are free or, like the farm safety certification, are heavily discounted thanks to all of the sponsors for the event.

Food vendors selling barbecue sandwiches, hot-dogs, Navajo tacos and much more will satisfy all your hunger needs, and entertainment such as the cattle-dog demonstration will surely provide some good humor. There is a live music stage too.

"There is a lot to see and do for those who do not live on a farm too," Bragg said. "Take the family and kids to watch shows on what horses and dogs can do on the farm. Plus there’s FFA Children’s Barnyard that is fun to check out. So I say come on out, the mud is drying up and it is a real nice experience."